Perfection Fresh to cut 'significant' number of jobs amid tomato virus outbreak | ABC News

Summary

Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus has been detected at three businesses in Adelaide Plains, leading to the South Australian government's decision to halt the sale of tomatoes from affected properties. As a result, hundreds of workers, many of whom are Pacific Islanders, have lost their jobs. The virus, while safe to humans, threatens tomato yields by up to 75%. States like WA and Queensland have banned South Australian tomatoes, and concerns are growing over potential price increases. Authorities are working to contain the virus, while efforts are underway to assist laid-off workers.

Takeaways

• 🍅 Hundreds of tons of ripe tomatoes are going to waste due to restrictions on sales in Adelaide Plains.
• 🌱 The tomato brown rugose fruit virus has been detected in three businesses in Australia, marking its first appearance in the country.
• 🚫 The South Australian government has stopped the sale of tomatoes from affected properties, leading to the layoff of hundreds of staff.
• 👷 A significant portion of the laid-off workers are Pacific Islander and migrant workers.
• ⚠️ The virus affects the appearance of tomatoes but does not make them unsafe to eat. However, it poses a major threat to plant health, potentially reducing marketable yields by up to 75%.
• 🔬 Scientific experts across Australia are collaborating to figure out how to contain the virus, with some states banning South Australian tomatoes.
• 📉 The potential market impact concerns farmers, as sustained restrictions could cause tomato prices to surge to as much as $50-60 per kilo.
• 🔍 Authorities have taken thousands of samples from 18 sites to try and eradicate the virus before it spreads further.
• 💼 An employee assistance hub will be opened to support former staff of Perfection Fresh, one of the impacted businesses.
• 🔄 Perfection Fresh hopes to rehire as many employees as possible once tomato production resumes, and is working with the government and unions to find jobs for affected workers.

Q & A

What virus has recently arrived in Australia and affected tomato production?

The tomato brown rugose fruit virus has recently arrived in Australia and affected tomato production.

Which company is affected by the tomato brown rugose fruit virus in the Adelaide Plains?

Perfection Fresh is one of the companies affected by the tomato brown rugose fruit virus in the Adelaide Plains.

What has the South Australian government decided regarding tomato sales from affected properties?

The South Australian government has decided to stop tomatoes from being sold from the affected properties.

How has the decision to stop selling tomatoes impacted Perfection Fresh?

The decision has led Perfection Fresh to let go of hundreds of staff, including many Pacific Islander workers and other migrant employees.

Is the tomato brown rugose fruit virus harmful to humans?

No, the virus affects the appearance of tomatoes but is otherwise safe to eat.

What is the primary threat posed by the tomato brown rugose fruit virus?

The primary threat is to the plants themselves, with the potential to reduce marketable yields by up to 75%.

What have Western Australia and Queensland done in response to the virus outbreak in South Australia?

Western Australia and Queensland have banned the import of tomatoes from South Australia.

What concerns does Tony Sacker have about the restrictions on tomato sales?

Tony Sacker is concerned that sustained restrictions could cause supply shortages and lead to tomato prices reaching up to $50-$60 per kilogram in other states.

How many sites have been tested for the virus, and what is the outlook for containment?

Authorities have taken samples from 18 sites, and the outlook for containment is positive, with detections limited to three businesses so far, making eradication possible.

What support is being offered to the employees who have been laid off due to the virus outbreak?

An employee assistance hub will open in Virginia to help Perfection Fresh's former staff, and the company is working with the government, unions, and other producers to find new jobs for affected workers.