The plant virus known as Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) has galvanized researchers around the world much like COVID since its discovery in Israel in 2014. Now recorded in 20 countries, ToBRFV has threatened the  greenhouse industry in a way that has heightened biosecurity concerns and changed management practices on a daily basis.

To address ToBRFV, the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers partnered with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and Flowers Canada-Ontario (FCO) to host 125  researchers, growers, extension specialists and industry experts in Toronto on August 17-18, 2022.

The event brought top researchers from countries across Europe, North America and Israel to share insights, experiences and learnings. Postponed from its original date in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was the first opportunity to meet and discuss this virus that threatens tomato plants on a global basis. It offered a unique ability to share research, ongoing management, future potential and mitigation opportunities through many ongoing projects. 

Discussions are continuing after the event to develop best practices that coordinate biosecurity approaches and responsibilities throughout the supply chain. 

“We are tremendously pleased with the uptake and participation of industry-leading experts in the areas of crop research, marketing, and of course, our partners from OMAFRA,” stated Joe Sbrocchi, general manager and executive director of the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers. “The opportunity to connect, collaborate and discuss the current challenges and opportunities on the horizon has been long-awaited and is bearing much of what we had anticipated could lead to common understandings. Creating this on-going relationship can only help now and beyond.”

In addition to academic, government and grower participation, many allied industry stakeholders contributed to attendance, sponsorship and poster sessions. “The greenhouse vegetable sector is an economic success story, and we anticipate contributing to the province’s economic recovery as we exit the pandemic,” noted George Gilvesy, chair of the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers Board of Directors. “To the many sponsors, growers, academia and industry leaders, we thank you for your contributions and look forward to continuing such collaborations.”

Source:  Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers August 22, 2022 news release