Significant threats are impacting the livelihoods of Victorian beekeepers and the food security of the entire state.
One-hundred-and-fifty Public Land bee sites have been lost to the Grampians and Little Desert fires, with bee flora recovery in these areas expected to take many years.
More than 1000 bee hives were directly lost in the fires.
Significant losses of both honey production and future pollination contracts will affect bee business viability.
Drought conditions have affected native flora flowering, resulting in a lack of nectar and subsequent honey production.
The loss of important bee forage areas also makes it more difficult for beekeepers to maintain healthy hives.
This puts future pollination contracts at risk, putting further pressure on beekeepers’ businesses.
On top of this, is the looming threat of varroa mite.
When varroa establishes itself in Victoria, it will have catastrophic consequences on honey production and pollination services across the state.
Beekeepers are on high alert, but many are concerned about the preparedness of the sector to respond to the inevitable outbreak and spread.
The Victorian Apiarists Association is calling on the Victorian Government to better support beekeepers at this difficult time.
The association said support was required to fast track these applications, especially for beekeepers in bushfire-affected areas.
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