- Crisafulli Government delivers half a million-dollar investment to manage varroa mite.
- A further $250,000 of grant funding is also available to help safeguard and secure Queensland's beekeeping and pollination-reliant industries against varroa mite (Varroa destructor).
- Grants deliver Crisafulli Government's commitment to strengthen biosecurity measures.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering stronger biosecurity by equipping Queensland apiarists and the horticulture sector with the necessary resources to safeguard against varroa mite.
The first recipients of the $500,000 Community Bee Innovation Fund (CBIF) have been announced and will deliver education, training and management activities to support the beekeeping and pollen-reliant industries.
For a decade, former Labor Governments failed to invest in the biosecurity systems that protect Queensland's food security and economy.
This investment shows producers finally have a Government that understands the critical role biosecurity has in protecting our food production.
The CBIF opened in February offering grants of between $5,000 and $50,000 over the next 3 years to help manage the impacts of varroa mite (Varroa destructor).
The successful round one recipients are:
- Gold Coast Amateur Beekeepers Society Inc – Biotechnical varroa management: brood interruption and queen rearing training
- Queensland Beekeepers Association Inc – Educating, supporting and surviving varroa together
- Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers Ltd – BeeREADY
- Queensland Southern Beekeepers Association (Queensland) Inc – Education on the seriousness of varroa mite and management of the pest in beehives.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said these grants are a critical investment aimed at supporting industry and strengthening Queensland's biosecurity integrity.
"The Crisafulli Government is investing in the organisations undertaking education and management initiatives into this highly destructive pest, to drive better awareness and biosecurity preparedness," Minister Perrett said.
"Biosecurity underpins everything that we do, which is why we are investing in Queensland research and innovation to secure the State's beekeeping and pollination industries now and well into the future.
"Beekeeping and honey production is a key driver of our economy and agricultural exports, which includes honey, which is an incredibly prized commodity, particularly in Asian markets.
"This investment compliments our commitment to hire 100 biosecurity officers across the state this term.
Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers Ltd, Chief Executive Officer, Rachel Chambers said they are utilising their grant strategically.
"We're using this funding to support the shift from long-standing handshake arrangements to a more coordinated, planned approach to pollination – a move that ensures successful crop outcomes for our growers, while also supporting healthy, productive bees and the continued supply of premium Australian honey," Ms Chambers said.
