South Australia has been declared free of tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), allowing growers to resume full trade across eastern markets.
The State Government has issued an Area Freedom Certificate following extensive surveillance and testing in tomato-growing regions. More than 200,000 samples were tested across 109 properties, with no detections of the virus since March 2025.
ToBRFV is a highly contagious plant virus that affects tomatoes, capsicums, and chillies. While not a risk to human health, it reduces crop yields and marketability. The virus was first detected in tomatoes in the Northern Adelaide Plains in August 2024, marking the first confirmed case in Australia.
Containment measures were introduced to protect South Australia's AU$230 million (US$148 million) tomato and capsicum sector. The virus was restricted to three businesses, with testing confirming eradication.
Clare Scriven, South Australia's Minister for Primary Industries, said the declaration enables tomato growers to trade interstate without ToBRFV-related restrictions.
Industry representatives also acknowledged the scale of testing and biosecurity measures undertaken to achieve area freedom.
For more information:
Government of South Australia
Tel: +61 (0) 8 8429 3232
Email: [email protected]
www.premier.sa.gov.au