The Ministry of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed that Great Britain will maintain the quarantine pest status (QP) of tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV). The decision follows a policy review and consultation with industry stakeholders.
ToBRFV, first observed in Israel in 2014, has since spread across Asia, Africa, Europe, North and South America, and Australia. In Great Britain, 14 outbreaks have been recorded since 2019, nine of which have been eradicated. Eradication measures are still ongoing at five sites.
The policy review concluded that current regulations should remain in place, with a further review to be held if the virus becomes widespread in Great Britain, resistant varieties become dominant, or seed interceptions fall to marginal levels.
The European Union reclassified ToBRFV as a regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP) from January 2025. However, Defra stated that Great Britain remains in a different position to the EU, as outbreaks are limited and eradication continues to be feasible.
During the consultation period between March and June 2025, four responses were received. The British Tomato Growers' Association and the National Farmers' Union supported retaining ToBRFV as a quarantine pest. They stressed that only about 44% of commercial tomato crops in Great Britain are resistant cultivars.
Euroseeds and Rijk Zwaan opposed the decision, citing costs to seed suppliers and growers, difficulties with eradication, and misalignment with the EU approach. Their concerns included multiple import requirements, seed testing sensitivity, and delays at borders. They also highlighted that outbreaks in Great Britain have only occurred in tomato production, not in pepper crops.
Defra responded that records of impacts in pepper crops exist in other countries, such as Italy and Mexico, justifying continued regulation. Exceptions remain for resistant varieties, provided importers supply evidence.
On seed testing, Defra noted that both field inspections and laboratory testing are necessary, as each method alone may miss low-level or latent infections. In 2024, 18 interceptions of tomato and pepper seed were recorded, including detections of potato spindle tuber viroid.
While acknowledging the burden on seed companies, Defra said import testing remains essential to protect production. It confirmed that requirements may be reviewed in the future, including whether testing 100% of imported tomato and pepper seed remains proportionate.
The ministry added that ongoing surveillance, strict import controls, and eradication of outbreaks remain central to managing ToBRFV in Great Britain.
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For more information:
Richard McIntosh
Defra
Tel: +44 (0) 208 026 2396
Email: [email protected]
www.planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk