Quarantine

Tomato, chilli and capsicum seeds banned by Western Australia quarantine.

Friday 13th September, 2024 

At 9am on 12th September 2024, Quarantine WA announced that no states were to send any tomato, chilli or capsicum seeds to WA commencing immediately. We inquired if we could send existing orders and were told that if an item has not already been shipped, it will be declined entry into WA.

We understand that this will impact many Diggers Members in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. We will contact you to arrange a refund on the quarantine restricted seeds in existing orders, and we regret that we will not be able to send any of these items until we work out a solution with Quarantine WA.

This ban effects all seeds from outside WA. This action has been taken as a result of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV), also known as Tobamovirus fructirugosum, being detected in Australia. We apologise for any inconvenience, and we will work tirelessly to open the borders for seed purchases from Diggers for our WA members. 

UPDATE for WA and NT members: Great news! The majority of Diggers heirloom tomato, chilli, and capsicum seeds have now been cleared for orders into WA and NT. Most existing seed orders that were restricted will now be sent out. If your order still contains restricted lines, our customer service team will be in touch. We thank you for your patience while we reach a solution with Quarantine WA.

Biosecurity requirements for potato seeds to Kangaroo Island.

Monday 18th December, 2023

Seed potatoes are prohibited under the South Australian Plant Health Act 2009 from entry to Kangaroo Island. This legislation is in place to protect the seed potato industry which is established on Kangaroo Island due to the freedom from potato pest and diseases including bacterial wilt and potato cyst nematode. About 16% of Australia’s seed potatoes are produced on Kangaroo Island and therefore it is an important industry to protect. See here for more information.