Greek tomato growers angered amid fruit virus outbreak in SA

·

Prominent South Australian tomato growers Harry Kapiris, Peter Petsios and Emmanuel Cafcakis have criticised the handling of a recent tomato virus outbreak, which led to millions in losses and extensive farm shutdowns.

Owner of Gawler River Tomatoes, Harry Kapiris, was forced to destroy $1.1 million worth of crops after biosecurity officials detected the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) on his property. Kapiris later received independent test results showing no trace of the virus, suggesting a false positive.

The shutdown resulted in millions in losses, the layoff of 30 staff, and potential legal action. Kapiris lamented the impact on livelihoods, calling the response “crazy” and demanding accountability.

The long-time owner of SA Tomato, Peter Petsios, whose family has farmed since 1960, destroyed $1.3 million in crops and lost millions more in revenue after virus detection at his facility.

Petsios criticised the government’s response as an overreaction, claiming it had caused more harm than the virus itself. He advocated for targeted containment measures rather than blanket shutdowns, saying the government’s actions crippled the industry.

Harry Kapiris is considering legal action in the wake of biosecurity officers issuing him with an order in August to rip up $1.1m worth of tomato plants. Photo: Keryn Stevens.

Another tomato farmer, Emmanuel Cafcakis, estimated losses exceeding $100,000 despite his Virginia property being cleared of ToBRFV after seven weeks. He condemned the prolonged inspection process and interstate trade restrictions, which created a tomato glut and devastated prices.

Cafcakis expressed concern that heavy-handed measures would discourage future virus reporting, likening the response to a “typical bloody Covid response.”

Authorities defended their actions, citing the need to protect Australia’s $800 million tomato industry. However, growers argue that eradication is unrealistic and that authorities should adopt containment strategies used overseas. Many fear lasting damage to trust between growers and biosecurity officials.

Source: The Advertiser.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Loverdos strengthens ties with Greek community during Queensland visit

Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos visited Brisbane and the Gold Coast, meeting Greek community leaders.

Heartbreak as Greek duo Anne and Maree eliminated from My Kitchen Rules

My Kitchen Rules viewers were left emotional on Monday night as Greek Australian mother-and-daughter duo Anne and Maree were eliminated.

Antetokounmpo trio make NBA history as Alex joins brothers at the Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks have signed Alex Antetokounmpo, uniting him with brothers Giannis and Thanasis to make NBA history.

Mitsotakis hails ‘historic day’ as he joins Trump at Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis briefly met with US President Donald Trump ahead of the global summit on Gaza’s future

‘A Holy Land at peace’: Trump declares end to two-year Gaza war

Hamas has released the final surviving Israeli hostages from Gaza as part of a ceasefire deal, while Israel freed Palestinian detainees.

You May Also Like

Five Greek finalists in the 2023 Innovation in Politics Awards

Five Greek projects have been short-listed for the 2023 Innovation in Politics Awards, according to Ekathimerini.

Can Islamocentric Turkey find its European footing?

After twenty years of rule and having tasted for the first time the heavy defeat in the elections, the Turkish President resorted to neo-Ottomanism.

Children’s week at the Greek Community of Melbourne

As part of Children’s Week the Greek Community of Melbourne Schools are taking part in the celebrations organised by the Victorian Government