Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus

In reply to the Hon. F. PANGALLO ().12 November 2024).

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries): I am advised:

The new testing facility at the Waite campus, managed by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), is operational and has alleviated our reliance on interstate labs. The current capacity and turnaround times are linked to the high volume of samples that have been taken at the start of the most productive season for our growers.

The laboratory's capacity was established to assist in market certification needs, particularly for Western Australia and Queensland, which require testing within 10 days of harvest. This rapid response is critical to maintaining access to these markets while ensuring stringent biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

South Australia is committed to balancing biosecurity protocols with market access and minimising disruptions for growers while refining the operational framework for ToBRFV testing.