Our local almond growers are in the thick of it.
This time of year is prime for crop pollination.
But a significant biosecurity risk is right on our doorstep.
Varroa mite has landed in Australia, and has infested more than 40 beekeeping properties in coastal and northern NSW.
It’s a parasite that latches onto the European Honeybee and can cause bee colonies to collapse.
New Zealand had an incursion in 2000, and despite containment strategies, the pest spread across both the North and South Island, killing 90 percent of the wild bee population.
The threat this mite poses to Australia, and indeed Victoria has prompted immediate action.
Given the urgency of the almond pollination season, a permit scheme has been introduced limiting the transport of bees, hives, used beekeeping equipment and bee products into and across Sunraysia.
I’ve been told that the permit process is thorough, and applications are being acted on within 24 hours, even on weekends.
A varroa mite control centre has also been established in Irymple to give the local almond and apiary industry confidence.
More than 40 experts from Agriculture Victoria are in the region right now.
They’re assessing permits, inspecting hives and overseeing almond pollination events.
There’s greater levels of surveillance and traceability of hives.
And there needs to be.
More than 35 per cent of crops globally require pollination by honeybees to be viable.
Mildura leads the State in citrus, grape, melon, lupin, chickpea, almond and mango production.
These industries are collectively worth more than $700 million to the local economy.
All are reliant on, or benefit greatly from, bee pollination.
Pollination from bees is a crucial step in the germination of many of our region’s other significant crops as well, including avocados, pumpkins, and canola.
The need to maintain our biosecurity is paramount, and just like with the threat of Foot-and-mouth disease, everyone has a role to play.
If we work together, we can minimise the risk.
