The number of infections with the Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) in the Netherlands and Belgium has increased in recent months. According to the latest official figures, the Netherlands has 36 infections and Belgium has 12. Both countries have recently adjusted to new European rules.
Sector organizations Glastuinbouw Nederland and GroentenFruit Huis argue for a Regulated Non-Quarantine Pests (RNQP) status for the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV). "With the current Quarantine (Q)-status, there are insufficient opportunities to carry out proper research," states policy specialist Helma Verberkt of Glastuinbouw Nederland in Nieuwe Oogst. "With an RNQP status, we can focus more on resistances and green agents."
The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FAVV) published a new update for Belgium of its emergency measures notice on ToBRFV. Version 4 includes adjustments due to amended European legislation, which should ensure harmonization of the measures to be taken in the event of an outbreak.
Belgium continues to apply the existing measures. However, the scope has been extended to include hybrids of Solanum lycopersicum (tomato). In addition, the sampling rate for imported consignments from China and Israel has been increased. The emergency measures have been extended until 31 May 2023.