Biosecurity tensions between New Zealand and Australia may ease following confirmation that South Australia has eradicated tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV).
In 2024, Biosecurity New Zealand placed restrictions on tomato seed imports from Australia after the virus was detected at two South Australian growing properties. Imported seeds from Australia are still required to be tested for ToBRFV before entry into New Zealand.
The virus is highly contagious in tomatoes, capsicums, and chillies, with no impact on human health, but capable of reducing yields and marketability. Earlier this year, concerns were raised within the tomato industry that the Ministry for Primary Industries was not doing enough to protect crops. Industry groups pointed out that ToBRFV also affects capsicums and chillies and that imports of these products from Australia had not been restricted.
Tomatoes New Zealand and NZ Plant Producers have since developed hygiene guidelines for nurseries to integrate into their management systems.
According to the Government of South Australia, more than 200,000 samples were tested across 109 properties, providing evidence that the virus is no longer present.
Biosecurity New Zealand director for import and export standards Lisa Winthrop told Farmers Weekly that the agency will work with Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to assess the details and implications for New Zealand. "In the meantime, controls that have protected local growers from the virus remain in place," she said.
Winthrop confirmed that capsicums and chillies can still be imported from Queensland.
TomatoesNZ general manager Dinah Cohen said she could not comment because she did not yet know what the disease-free status in South Australia means for New Zealand.
Source: FarmersWeekly
