In 2021, the Wheen Bee Foundation introduced Bee Friendly Farming in Australia, encouraging farmers and land managers to get certified in adopting simple, science-backed practices to enhance pollinator health on their properties.
Australian agriculture is highly dependent on bees and other pollinators, with at least 53 crops depending to some degree on bees for pollination.
Wheen Bee Foundation chief executive officer Fiona Chambers said the Bee Friendly Farming program worked with land managers to enhance both pollinator health and the potential for their land.
“Protecting bees and other pollinators is not just about supporting insects, it’s good for business,” Ms Chambers said.
“This is becoming more important as the demand for bees increases and beekeepers become more selective about where they send their hives for pollination.”
The almond industry, which relies on bees for 100 per cent of its production, was quick to embrace the program.
Other agricultural sectors that depend on pollinators include avocados, apples, pears, berries, oilseeds, vegetable seeds and macadamias.
Bee Friendly Farming Certification allows beekeepers to be informed that the farmer places a priority on bees.
More than 36,000 hectares of farmland have been certified since 2021.
The Wheen Bee Foundation launched the Bee Friendly Farming program with a $50,000 sponsorship from Founding Platinum partner, Flow Hive, and more recently received $460,000 to expand the program to strengthen the drought resilience of Australia's pollinator-dependent crops.
For more information, visit: https://www.beefriendlyfarming.org.au/
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