Tuta absoluta infestation: STC imports tomatoes from Italy |19 January 2017

The Seychelles Trading Company (STC) has announced that it has decided to import tomatoes from Italy.

The announcement follows the infestation of tomato plantations on at least three farms in the Anse Royale area and the agricultural authorities’ subsequent ban on tomato importation from certain countries, including South Africa from where Seychelles was importing most of the produce.

Consequently, after STC outlets and other retailers had run out of stock since the beginning of the week, tomatoes are expected to be back in shop chillers and on market stands as from later today. This after STC, the country’s largest tomato importer, receives its first consignment from Italy this morning.

However, the company has warned that there may be a drop in supply as it is not sure if it will be able to maintain the average of 10 tonnes per week which it normally imported from South Africa. Prizes may also increase due to higher purchase price due to the severity of the actual European winter and freight costs; though STC has said that it will as much as possible try to absorb the surplus.

According to the acting general manager for imports and procurement Françoise Robert, the company is also still negotiating with the new supplier for the best price possible while considering Spain and Portugal as other possible markets.

It was on December 21 last year that the National Biosecurity Agency (NBSA) informed importers of plant products of the ban on importation of tomatoes which concerns a total of 54 countries. These include 15 in Europe and Asia, 12 in Africa, and 12 in South and Central America. 

While the STC has said that it supports the country’s strict phytosanitary laws which help prevent pests and diseases from entering the country, it is evident that the long list of infected countries reduces considerably its importation possibilities and prevent the company from buying from cheaper ones.

According to principal biosecurity officer Randy Stravens, the Tuta absoluta is highly destructive to tomato plants and other fruits in the solanacaeae family which includes eggplant. He believes that its high biotic potential and its ability to adapt to various climatic conditions represent a real threat to local tomato producers.

The best solution finally is to increase local production and as far as possible reduce importation!