Kagome Australia continues to actively monitor the Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) situation and remains confident that there are no immediate concerns affecting supply. In collaboration with the Australian Processing Tomato Research Council (APTRC), we have assessed the risks and implemented necessary precautions to safeguard operations.
To date, ToBRFV has only been confirmed on three properties in South Australia and one in Victoria. The detection in Victoria has been directly linked to a specific movement of plant material, and there is no evidence of the virus being present elsewhere in the state. As a further precaution, there will be no further movements to Victoria under the previously agreed pilot program. All affected properties remain under strict biosecurity control to prevent any potential spread.
Our growers have been advised to continue with their normal season plans, and we do not anticipate any disruptions at this time. It is important to note that all of our seed undergoes rigorous testing before importation, including screening for ToBRFV, ensuring that it remains free from contamination.
Insights from our colleagues in California—who have firsthand experience managing ToBRFV—have provided further reassurance. The virus primarily poses a threat in protected environments such as glasshouses, where mechanical transfer is more likely. In contrast, the risk in open-field processing tomatoes is significantly lower due to minimal plant handling and a shorter growing season, which limits the virus's ability to develop and spread.
While the response to any further outbreaks remains uncertain, Kagome, through the APTRC, is actively engaged with key stakeholders to mitigate potential impacts on our industry.
For now, we remain confident that these developments will not affect supply and continue to prioritise the quality and safety of our products. We will provide further updates as the situation evolves.
