In South Australia, tomato growers Harry Kapiris, Peter Petsios, and Emmanuel Cafcakis have voiced their concerns over the management of a Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) outbreak, which has resulted in considerable financial losses and operational shutdowns. Kapiris, the proprietor of Gawler River Tomatoes, had to eliminate crops valued at $1.1 million following the detection of ToBRFV by biosecurity officials, only to later receive independent test results indicating no presence of the virus. This incident led to a shutdown, the dismissal of 30 employees, and potential legal action, with Kapiris highlighting the severe impact on livelihoods and demanding accountability.
Peter Petsios, who has been in the tomato farming business since 1960, faced a similar situation, destroying $1.3 million worth of crops and incurring further revenue losses after the virus was detected at his facility. Petsios criticized the government's handling of the situation, suggesting that the response was an overreaction that inflicted more damage than the virus itself. He advocated for more precise containment measures as opposed to comprehensive shutdowns.
Another grower, Emmanuel Cafcakis, reported over $100,000 in losses, even though his property in Virginia was eventually cleared of ToBRFV. He criticized the extended inspection duration and the interstate trade restrictions that led to a surplus of tomatoes and plummeting prices. Cafcakis warned that such stringent measures might deter growers from reporting future virus instances, comparing the reaction to that of a "typical bloody Covid response."
While authorities have defended their approach as necessary to safeguard Australia's $800 million tomato sector, growers are pushing for the adoption of containment strategies employed internationally, arguing that eradication efforts are unrealistic. The situation has raised concerns about the potential erosion of trust between growers and biosecurity officials.
Source: The Greek Herald