Australia: $5 million going towards eradication of tomato brown rugose fruit virus

Australia will throw $5 million at tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) in an attempt to eliminate it. The ToBRFV National Management Group (NMG), which includes all Australian governments and affected industries under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD), has approved the ToBRFV Eradication Response Plan. The plan encompasses surveillance, testing and containment measures to eradicate the virus and support the production and trade of tomatoes. The South Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is coordinating the response which is being nationally cost-shared by governments and industries. The NMG is comprised of all Australian governments and affected industries who are also signatories to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD), being Australian Processing Tomato Research Council, Ausveg and Greenlife Industry Australia. GIA director of biosecurity John McDonald said the plan is a critical step in securing Australia's horticulture ...