SA tomato farmer Peter Petsios demands answers after biosecurity backflip

·

South Australian tomato grower Peter Petsios is calling for an inquiry and threatening legal action after the federal government abandoned efforts to eradicate the tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), a decision he says came too late to save his business.

Petsios, owner of SA Tomato, said the now-defunct eradication policy cost him $4 million, his health, and his 65-year-old family business, which has been shut for months.

“This is the worst thing that’s happened to me – it’s like a death in the family,” he said.

The virus was detected in South Australia in July 2023, leading to widespread quarantine measures and severe industry disruption.

Petsios said he and other growers had advocated early on for a virus management strategy, in line with international approaches, rather than eradication.

The tomato virus. Photo: Growing Produce.

“This should have been a one-week issue,” he said. “Common sense has finally prevailed… We want answers now.”

The federal biosecurity committee’s change in strategy followed the discovery of infected seedlings in Victoria that originated from a nursery in New South Wales — a state previously unlinked to the virus.

Petsios described the emotional and physical toll as immense, citing persistent health issues caused by stress. “I could have had a heart attack. I could have been dead,” he said.

Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven said SA Tomato had received some compensation and was eligible for further reimbursement.

However, opposition MP Nicola Centofanti criticised the government’s “reactive” response, saying early transparency and consistent national policy could have prevented significant losses.

Petsios now intends to pursue legal action to recover damages, stating, “I’m gonna have to work right around the clock for the rest of my life to pay this debt off.”

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

Meet TIFANY: The Greek Australian artist making waves in RnB

Are you looking for your new favourite Greek artist who combines unique sounds of RnB, house and EDM music?

Heirs of a Greek inheritance: Most common problems to deal with

There are many people of Greek descent all over the world whose parents or other close relatives had properties in Greece.

Niki Louca shares her family favourite Indokaridopita (coconut cake) recipe

It is a cake her aunty Panayiota used to make often in years gone by, and one she hasn’t had for a long time.

Naz Vardar to give Melbourne seminar on shaping Vlach identity

The focus lies on the story of a Vlach priest navigating his way within the local Vlach community in Manastir (Bitola).

Out from the White Tower’s shadow: A subversive guide to Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki isn’t trying to impress you, and that’s exactly why it does. Its people carry the kind of warmth that isn’t put on for tourists.

You May Also Like

Pharos Alliance to present parent seminar on raising children bilingually

Pharos Alliance continues its work in revitalising the use of Modern Greek in Melbourne, guided by a strategic plan.

Vinnies CEO Sleepout: Greek Australians brave cold for homelessness awareness

The annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout saw 1,500 CEOs across Australia brave the freezing cold on Thursday to raise awareness of homelessness.

Plans for a Global Centre of Pontian Hellenism unveiled in Athens

A Global Centre of Pontian Hellenism is set to be built on the site of the former airport at Elliniko in southern Athens.