Urgent action needed to protect bee industry amid escalating crisis

Shadow Minister for Agriculture Brendan Moylan has called on the Minns Labor Government to urgently engage with the Federal Government to protect the future of Australia’s honey bee industry.

Industry leaders have warned the varroa mite incursion in NSW is escalating rapidly and current measures are failing to manage and eradicate the spread of the mite.

“The NSW Government’s response to the varroa mite outbreak has been too slow, too reactive and has left many beekeepers frustrated and unsupported,” Mr Moylan said.

“The beekeeping industry is incredibly important to agriculture across Australia and there are huge concerns for its future.

“Although there has been some effort to control the spread of the varroa mite, beekeeper and industry feedback indicates current control measures are not working.

“This is particularly concerning with the almond pollination season only a few weeks away, and the industry’s heavy reliance on commercial honey bees.

“Industry representatives are reporting costs of tens of thousands of dollars for treatment which needs to implemented regularly, however the same treatment can’t be used repeatedly.

“There are also reports of resistance to synthetic treatments, high costs, reduced effectiveness, colony declines and further spread of the mite.

“Without swift, targeted action, the varroa mite crisis could escalate into a food security crisis.

“I am urging the NSW Government to work with their Federal colleagues to step up surveillance, improve coordination with the industry and beekeepers on the ground, fast track access to effective varroa mite treatments and deliver stronger support to contain the spread before the impacts on the Industry, on pollination and on agriculture worsen.”