Beekeepers ruined by varroa mites seeking ongoing compensation

Apiarists whose livelihoods were ruined after they were forced to destroy their hives to help eradicate varroa mites within Australia are calling for ongoing compensation to cover their loss of income.

“We’re in a world of hurt,” says beekeeper David Vial. Picture: Nick Cubbin

Apiarists whose livelihoods were ruined after they were forced to destroy hives to help eradicate varroa mites within Australia are calling for ongoing compensation to cover their loss of income.

Beekeepers within the central NSW coast eradication zone were paid out for hives and honey lost when the bees were euthanised in response to the varroa mite outbreak around Newcastle in June, but Hunter Valley Amateur Beekeepers Club vice-president David Vial says the payment should be extended.

The eradication zone around the site of the outbreak is expected to last at least three years, meaning beekeepers like Mr Vial would have to restart their operations outside the area to be able to recommence their trade. “My business and quite a few other com­mercial guys, we’re in a world of hurt,” Mr Vial told The Australian.

“It feels like they’re saying ‘Well you’ve taken one for the country, but move on and we’ll see you in three to five years’.”

More than 17,000 hives within the red zone were destroyed in a bid to eradicate the invasive mite, first detected by sentinel hives at the Port of Newcastle in June.

The compensation was funded jointly by the NSW government and the honey bee industry, through a honey sale levy.

Mr Vial, who lost almost 200 hives, has unsuccessfully sought further compensation based on a Plant Health Australia guideline, the Plant Health Deed, which he said stipulated commercial beekeepers such as himself were entitled to compensation for their lost future income because of the ongoing exclusion zone.

“I was looking at turning over this year anywhere in the vicinity of $300,000 to $350,000,” Mr Vial said. “I had orders for 150 nucleus hives back in late April this year, and I probably would have sold 400 nukes this season plus probably double that in queens. That’s all just been taken away from us.

“What are we supposed to do, pack up and move away? Logistically that’s pretty tough.”

Australian Honey Bee Industry Council chief executive officer Danny Le Feuvre said any adjustment to the compensation scheme would require unanimous agreement from 26 industry stakeholder groups. “It’s unlikely to happen,” Mr Le Feuvre said.

“The current reimbursements allow for the cost of the replacement of the hives that are destroyed. It doesn’t allow for three years of loss of income.”

NSW Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders said beekeeper compensation was determined under an agreement by states, federal government and industry.

The discovery last week of varroa mites within a hive outside the red zone has led to the red zone being expanded. It means another 650 hives will likely be destroyed.