Restrictions on beehive movements have hindered some apiarists from moving their hives from almond orchards to waiting canola crops.
Beekeepers who have hives located on the Victorian side of the varroa mite surveillance and eradication zones can now apply for permits to move their hives.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Victoria’s chief plant health officer Rosa Crnov said on Wednesday, August 30 the new permit was now available online for the zone around the outbreak at Euston in NSW.
“As part of the permit they will be required to inform Agriculture Victoria of their hives’ current locations and destinations,” Dr Crnov said.
“It will also be a requirement that they continue to report their movements to us.“
The permit does not allow hives which have been within the NSW side of any zone to be moved.
Hives are also required to have an alcohol wash at required rates within seven days of moving.
Victorian beekeepers have had an anxious wait for updates since the first outbreak was detected at Euston on Thursday, August 24.
Three further outbreaks in NSW were declared, including one at Balranald on Tuesday, August 29.
Professional apiarists move their hives extensively across Victoria and interstate by following the succession of flowering seasons of different food crops.
Beekeeping businesses rely on income from hiring their hives to farmers as well as from producing honey.
Fourth generation Victorian apiarist Ken Gell manages his 1500 hives between multiple farms, including some in Barmah, and had been earlier concerned that he would not be able to honour a $100,000 contract with a canola seed grower.
“We were locked in before and it was causing a bit of a dilemma as the almond flowers are finishing and there is no food source for the bees,” Mr Gell said.
“And if you have a weaker hive, the stronger ones will start robbing them which can spread disease which is a whole new biosecurity issue.”
Mr Gell said he “wasted no time” in moving his hives once his permit was granted on the day of the announcement.
“We headed out last night and got all the hives in and then on the road,” Mr Gell said.
“There is a feeling of relief.
“We got the NSW permit as well which was was quick and easy.
“The Victorian permit system needed to happen straight away.”
Some beekeepers expressed frustration with the lack of advice from AgVic, with the online permit details originally causing confusion.
AgVic has since updated its website.
Mr Gell said earlier in the week he was satisfied with how the department dealt with the outbreak but more information about the infestation sizes was needed.
“They do a fantastic job but we didn’t know how big the infestations were — there was not enough information coming out about size.
“If it is one mite then we can eradicate it, but if hundreds, then it’s a management issue.
“But they’ve kept the mite at bay for over 12 months.”
Mr Gell also expressed relief for his next client.
“You also have to think of the next bloke, that next farmer is going to miss out on pollinating their crop.
“But we are up and running and he’s now happy too.”
14°C