Australian growers urged to secure commercial pollination as wild bees vanish

A varroa mite incursion across northern Queensland is wiping out feral honey-bee colonies that have long supplied free pollination to Australia's horticultural sector. As these wild populations dwindle, growers are being advised to secure pollination services from commercial beekeepers well before flowering begins. The Australian Honey Bee Industry Council estimates pollination contributes about $4.6 billion annually, but beekeepers face higher varroa-control expenses and depressed honey revenues, leading some to consider exiting the trade.

The sector has launched a national research, development and extension plan to improve mite management, breeding and biosecurity. Horticulturists like avocado grower Lisa Fyffe note that pollination costs have already doubled per hive, threatening profitability. Strong coordination between growers and beekeepers is seen as essential to maintain crop productivity.