The New Zealand tomato sector expresses apprehensions over Biosecurity measures concerning the tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV). In August of last year, Biosecurity New Zealand imposed limitations on tomato imports from Australia following detections of the virus in South Australia. However, Simon Watson of NZ Hothouse emphasized the virus's impact on capsicums and chillies, noting, "The MPI has not banned imports of these products from Australia."
Though a mere 1.3% of capsicums were imported from Australia over six years, with local production surpassing 13,000 tons, the potential risk of the virus arriving on affected plant materials remains a concern for Watson, who questioned the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) approach given the minimal local reliance on these imports.
In Australia, affected locations have been quarantined, crops eradicated, and growth bans enforced on properties indefinitely, according to Watson.
Dinah Cohen of TomatoesNZ stated the organization is actively collaborating with MPI as they review the situation. Stuart Anderson of Biosecurity NZ pointed out that existing measures are effectively preventing incidents in New Zealand. "We suspended tomato imports from all Australian states at the time, and that remains in place," Anderson remarked. However, while imports of tomatoes are only from virus-free Queensland, this suspension was implemented out of caution.
Regulations require tomato and capsicum seeds from Australia to undergo virus testing before entering New Zealand. Despite Australia's decision against eradication, existing virus spread prevention controls persist. Anderson reiterated, "ToBRFV has not been reported in any parts of Australia in capsicums and has not been detected in Queensland."
Regular updates from Australian counterparts are part of Biosecurity NZ's ongoing collaboration with the tomato industry.
Source: Farmers Weekly