Petsios family close SA tomato farm after 65 years due to virus

·

The owners of SA Tomato, a 65-year-old tomato nursery in Adelaide, South Australia, are considering legal action after closing their business due to a tomato virus crisis.

Peter and Oriana Petsios, who have run the family business for decades, were devastated to shut down after a seedling tested positive for tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) in mid-December 2024. The virus was first detected at their business in August.

“We’re all devastated – it’s a matter for the courts now,” Peter said, adding they had lost approximately $3 million and feared losing their home.

“It’s an unwinnable war. It’s very unfair. We’ve lost our reputation completely. They’ve destroyed a South Australian business.”

The Petsios family laid off their remaining staff after the December test, which came from a sacrificial crop sent to a Victorian customer. The batch was part of a nationally approved deal, but the Victorian glasshouse also tested positive for the virus and is now under quarantine.

Photo: Growing Produce.
The tomato virus. Photo: Growing Produce.

Petsios believes the test result was a “false positive,” citing more than 400 subsequent negative tests from the same batch. He plans to pursue legal action and is calling for changes to national legislation regarding ToBRFV, which he argues should be removed from the National Priority Plant Pests list.

He also criticised biosecurity measures, claiming that diagnostic protocols were inconsistent, test results were delayed, and communication with growers was poor.

“If I’ve failed, imagine how many other people are failing out there. They have raised the bar to a level that can’t be passed. It’s very unfair,” he said.

A state government spokesperson stated they would support SA Tomato in restarting its operations and continue to review ToBRFV eradication protocols.

Meanwhile, the opposition has expressed concern that the closure of SA Tomato is a major loss for the industry as it recovers from the virus crisis.

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

Alexia Apostolakis joins Matildas as train-on player

Melbourne City defender, Alexia Apostolakis, has been called into the Matildas squad as a train-on player ahead of the upcoming friendlies.

Rugby chief Peter V’landys addresses speculation about his future

Peter V’landys, chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission and CEO of Racing NSW, has addressed speculation about his future.

Olympiacos President to face trial over death of policeman in fan violence incident

Vangelis Marinakis, the president of Olympiacos FC, has been ordered to stand trial in Greece, accused of inciting sports-related violence.

IHO NYX brings Greek Rock to centre stage in Sydney this weekend

As Sunday, April 6 approaches, all eyes are on IHO NYX, the band ready to electrify Sydney with a concert dedicated entirely to Greek Rock.

Party for a purpose: Support the Pontian House at the Winter Wonderland Gala 2025

The Pontian Association of NSW Pontoxeniteas will host its highly anticipated Winter Wonderland Gala 2025 on Saturday, May 31, at 6.30 PM.

You May Also Like

EU approves $48.2b for Greece’s economic recovery

The EU is estimated to fund 30.5 billion euros (AU$48.26 billion) towards the plan to create jobs and boost economic growth.

Greek ministers attend summit with France, Italy and Cyprus to address Libya crisis

Egypt to host a summit with the foreign ministers of France, Italy, Greece, Cyprus on Wednesday to discuss how to resolve the Libyan crisis, according to a Monday Foreign Ministry statement.

Three more LGA’s enter lockdown as NSW records 345 new local COVID-19 cases

Bayside, Burwood and Strathfield LGA's in NSW will be subjected to extra COVID-19 lockdown restrictions from 5pm today.