South Australia is preparing for an important pollination season. Beekeepers are becoming increasingly concerned about the potential introduction and establishment of the Varroa destructor mite. First detected in southeastern Queensland — including the capital city Brisbane — and eastern Victoria in New South Wales late last year, the invasive mite has gradually spread across the country. The national strategy has shifted from eradicating the mite to controlling its spread. In sum, South Australian beekeepers are trying to operate in the middle of the perfect storm.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions’ director of animal biosecurity, Con Poulos, acknowledged the heightened concerns surrounding the Varroa mite. He noted that there are rigorous permit requirements just for bringing in hives from other states that do have a mite population. This underscores the urgency of the situation.
Beekeepers’ Concerns Grow
The concern among Beekeepers is very real as they head into such a critical pollination season. Danny Le Feuvre, an influential leader in the U.S. beekeeping community, called this time “one of the most difficult seasons.” He underscored the need for migratory beekeeping to improve pollination. He cautioned that such actions need to be done with specific mitigation measures in mind to limit the potential for spreading mites.
“Absolutely, it creates anxiety amongst beekeepers — no one wants to get varroa mite — but we’ve got some good risk mitigation in place.” – Danny Le Feuvre
Brenton Davis, another key voice in the industry, expressed his concerns about the imminent threat posed by the Varroa mite. He stated that the risk of an incursion into South Australia is at an all-time high, urging individual beekeepers to prepare thoroughly.
“The risk has never been higher, and it’s pretty much inevitable that varroa would come into South Australia anytime in the near future.” – Brenton Davis
Davis pressed beekeepers to be proactive. His recommendation was to take the training to prepare yourselves for the difficulties that the mite is sure to cause.
“Start taking the steps now. Be as prepared as we possibly can so we can keep moving forward.” – Brenton Davis
The Impact of Environmental Challenges
The Varroa mite isn’t the only existential threat to South Australian beekeepers. Severe weather events over the past several years—including unprecedented flooding and prolonged drought—have caused devastating losses to the region’s bee populations. Recent droughts have dried up nectar and pollen sources, affecting honey production to the point of loss this season. As a result, farm-gate honey prices have dropped through the floor, at the same time increasing the competitive local-beekeeper-killing pressure.
Le Feuvre noted that despite some recent rain in South Australia, many native plants essential for honey production have been slow to recover. This has forced some beekeepers to supplement feed their bees so that they can survive this tough era.
“There’s been some rain in SA, but where beekeepers make their honey from is from a lot of the native scrub and bush around the country, and it’s very slow to react to rainfall.” – Danny Le Feuvre
Davis highlighted the overarching effects of drought and depressed prices on the beekeeping industry. For all the new commercial beekeepers, it’s becoming harder and harder to make a living.
“We’re seeing beekeepers stepping out of the industry.” – Danny Le Feuvre
Collaboration and Future Strategies
In spite of these challenges, some industry leaders view this massive disruption as an opportunity for collaboration. Tim Jackson remarked on how the Varroa threat has brought various stakeholders together to recognize the importance of pollination in food supply chains.
“I think varroa has sharpened the focus around ensuring that pollination is an essential component of the food supply chain,” – Tim Jackson
Jackson further emphasized that the Varroa mite has prompted discussions about implementing measures to ensure consistent and effective pollination across different industries.
“If there’s one good thing that has come out of varroa, it’s that it has brought parties together to recognize that pollination shouldn’t be taken for granted and that measures should be put in place to ensure that effective pollination occurs across all industries.” – Tim Jackson
Poulos explained to concerned stakeholders that the trick lies in keeping the Varroa under control while still ensuring that the crucial pollination services stay on track.
“We’re comfortable that they find the balance between slowing the spread of varroa as much as we can, as well as keeping pollination going for the industries that rely on it.” – Con Poulos
