South Australian tomato growers are facing an oversupply of truss tomatoes this Christmas, and they need your help.
A combination of factors, including an earlier and warmer start to the season, industry over-expansion and a tomato virus, have all contributed to the glut.
This has forced growers to sell their produce below the cost of production.
“Our South Australian tomatoes are perfect to eat and very affordable at present,” says Angelo Demasi, from the Horticulture Coalition of South Australia.
“But a bumper crop in addition to the virus has resulted in an over-supply, so it is an opportunity for consumers to make the most of the affordable prices and enjoy some great produce this Christmas and over summer.”
The South Australian government is urging shoppers to buy more truss tomatoes to support local growers.
“We are currently at the peak of the tomato growing season and, as a result, there is an abundance of tomatoes on South Australian market shelves,” says Clare Scriven, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development.
“I encourage consumers to support our local growers by including fresh tomatoes in as many dishes as possible over the coming summer months.”
The government has also been working to contain the tomato virus, which has caused trade restrictions with some states.
“The past months have been extraordinarily difficult for the tomato industry, with some interstate trading restrictions hitting growers particularly hard,” says Scriven.
“We have done everything we can to assist growers in meeting the certification requirements to access WA and Queensland markets as quickly as possible, including opening a dedicated lab here in Adelaide.
“We have also successfully contained the virus so it has not spread further, and are well on the way to achieving eradication of this virus.
“If the virus had spread across the state and country, it would have devastating consequences on all tomato, capsicum and chilli growers every single year.”
The government’s efforts have been welcomed by the industry.
“We fully support the actions taken by PIRSA to prevent the spread of this virus and their decisive measures are essential to protecting the future of tomato farming in our region,” says Demasi.
So, this Christmas, make sure you include plenty of fresh tomatoes in your festive feasts. You’ll be supporting local growers and enjoying delicious, healthy food at the same time.
