Guy Barnett,Minister for Primary Industries and Water
The Hodgman majority Liberal Government recognises the value of Tasmania's honey and pollination industries, which is why we committed $750,000 over three years for the Bee Industry Futures actions and remain committed to ensuring the maximum practical access to Leatherwood.
Today the Government welcomes Tasmanian Beekeepers Association, Australian Honey Bee Industry Council and Sustainable Timber Tasmania (STT) signing an MOU that will ensure the ongoing protection and provide maximum practical access to Leatherwood trees on STT managed land.
The nation leading agreement will ensure STT has Planning Guidelines for Apiary Values agreed to inform the management of operations across the forest landscape where it coincides with apiary resources.
This is a great example of Tasmania's primary industries working together for mutually beneficial, sustainable outcomes.
While STT has long supported the apiary industry by providing access to important apiary resources such as manuka and leatherwood, this agreement formalises the strong working relationship.
Beekeepers not only produce iconic leatherwood honey, a premium and exclusively Tasmanian product, they also provide bees to pollinate many of our highest value fruit, cereal and vegetable crops.
These pollination services make a critical contribution and have higher economic value than honey production, which had a 2017-18 farm-gate value for honey and bees wax in excess of $8 million and exports worth $2.4 million.
The Hodgman majority Liberal Government remains committed to continuing to work closely with the industry to create a clear vision to support a strong, sustainable future for the Tasmanian honey and pollination industries.
