In early 2025, a Queensland fruit fly outbreak was confirmed in Glynde, a suburb in Adelaide's northeast. Although the outbreak originated in a metropolitan area, its impact is being felt by regional producers, particularly in the Adelaide Hills. Willabrand Australia, a fig orchard in the Adelaide Hills, has expressed concerns over the restrictions imposed by PIRSA, which prevent local producers from distributing their produce as usual. These restrictions have resulted in a projected income loss until at least mid-May.
Willa Wauchope of Willabrand Australia stated, "We've been growing figs in the Adelaide Hills for 35 years on a property that's 180 years old. I wanted to give an update on the effect of the fruit fly outbreak that's in the city on our business." She explained that the outbreak has disrupted their pick-your-own model, which was adopted to offer spray-free produce at a fair price. The orchard has already produced approximately 40 tons of fruit, much of which has gone to waste due to the restrictions.
Wauchope described the situation as a "catastrophic failure of the system to support farmers and primary producers in the Adelaide Hills regions." She emphasized the proximity of their orchard to the green zone and the inability to sell fruit off the property. The Adelaide Hills Berry Farm is also affected, facing substantial financial losses and workforce reductions.
Source: Glam Adalaide