"This is not an easy decision, but we have one chance to try to contain this virus"

"This is not an easy decision, but we have one chance to try to contain this virus." With these words, Australian premier Peter Malinauskas this week announced the quarantine of the Perfection Fresh greenhouse in Two Wells. Video's of local news sources show the workers leaving the facility and the tomatoes being tossed.

An outbreak of the tomato brown rugose virus has led the South Australian Government to quarantine three production facilities in the state, with Perfection Fresh being the biggest ones, along with sites connected to Gawler River Tomatoes and, according to local news sources, South Australia Tomatoes.

Rugose
Although Perfection Fresh has previously warned that South Australian government biosecurity restrictions could result in the loss of up to 500 employees, South Australia's Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) still decided to quarantine the affected greenhouses. "After months of close monitoring since the virus was first detected in August, aimed at preventing the spread across the state's vital $230 million tomato and capsicum sector."

"Part of the eradication strategy will require an extensive crop destruction, clean-up, and disinfection effort, which is likely to need a significant number of workers and may provide opportunities for impacted workers", shared the government.

Premier Peter Malinauskas emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "The State Government is taking immediate action to try and protect our state's $230 million tomato and capsicum sector. This is not an easy decision, but we have one chance to try to contain this virus. Quarantining these greenhouses will have an impact on workers, which is why the State Government has established a task force to assist those workers. This includes establishing a Worker Assistance Hub at the Virginia Horticulture Centre, helping workers and their families access the support and services they need."

Authorities estimate the three businesses with the virus make up less than 10 per cent of the industry.

Simply devastating
The Perfection Fresh glasshouse, built over five stages, is the largest of its type in the southern hemisphere, spanning 43 hectares. It's unclear if the complete greenhouse is to be quarantined. In a statement, Perfection Fresh chief executive Michael Simonetta said the state government's decision to lockdown its tomato operations in Adelaide's north was "entirely unnecessary" because the virus had been contained.

"The impact of the lockdown on our employees and their families is simply devastating," Mr Simonetta said. "With no timeline for when the lockdown might be lifted, we have no choice but to stand down workers, some of whom have been with us for many years."

Simonetta said Australian growers had discarded tonnes of plants and fruits on instruction from authorities managing the virus, despite the crops not being infected.

The company's fruit and vegetable operations in other parts of Australia are unaffected

Gawler River Tomatoes owner Harry Kapiris has thrown out at least $1.1 million worth of tomatoes and laid off 30 workers over the past week, after the virus was identified last month. The containment efforts have led to inter-state restrictions, with four states refusing produce from the affected areas. The financial repercussions for Kapiris extend beyond the immediate loss, with potential costs due to quarantine measures estimated between $3-4 million.

Eradication
According to Clare Scriven, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, eradication is possible. "We remain unique in the world as one of the only countries that still can eradicate this disease, with only three properties in Australia impacted at this point, so we are absolutely committed to doing everything we can to assist and advocate for the people whose lives have been upended as a result of the incursion of this virus."

"The State Government is acutely aware of the distress this situation and the uncertainty around it is causing those affected. This taskforce is a vital step to ensure we can assist these workers navigate their next steps, and support them through the short and longer term, as well as work closely with industry to quickly redeploy as many workers as possible to similar jobs in their local area."

Taskforce
Among the dozens who have lost their jobs is migrant worker Sharon Tarisesei, who says many of her colleagues are feeling apprehensive. "Lots of them are worried that they're not going to be able to find jobs to make ends meet," she said. "They are very worried — they're worried if they're laid off, they don't come back to work. What's going to happen? They've got children, and families to look after. It's going to be hard."

To aid affected workers, the newly formed Taskforce, chaired by PIRSA and comprising senior representatives from key State Government agencies and industry stakeholder AusVeg, is implementing immediate measures. A Worker Assistance Hub will provide support services, including connection to Centrelink, Red Cross, and Lutheran Care, offering counseling, financial well-being advice, and assistance with redeployment within the industry.

Services Australia is also stepping in, providing priority access to its specialist Financial Information Services (FIS) Officers, who can help workers navigate termination payments, superannuation, and Centrelink payments while linking them to other local services. The task force will collaborate closely with the Commonwealth Government to explore every possible avenue of support for workers and their families, operating under the national Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed.