Varroa mite: Beekeepers prepared to step away from industry

As beekeepers brace for an influx of interstate hives for almond pollination, some are worried a varroa mite infestation could end their businesses.

Fears of a varroa mite super spreader event are mounting as beekeepers brace for an influx of interstate hives for almond pollination.

And some apiarists are readying to lose hives, and possibly their businesses, should their bees become infested with pest.

Horsham beekeeper Peter Hobbs has been in the industry for about 50 years, providing honey to packers and hives for pollination.

He said he was concerned 2024 would be “our last year of full-on pollination”, and worried the mite would spread “to such an extent we won’t be able to control it”.

“We’ve only got one chance this year. Biosecurity will do nothing this year to prevent the spread,” Mr Hobbs said.

“I think it’ll be detrimental.”

An Almonds Australia report found more than 70 per cent of commercial bee hives in Queensland, Victoria, NSW and South Australia were involved in almond pollination in 2020.

Mr Hobbs said the federal government’s “wait and see policy” could result in beekeepers stepping away from the industry, should their hives become infested with the mite.

While there are resources available for beekeepers to test their hives for mites, and an alcoholic detective wash, the burden of preventing spread of the pest could now fall on beekeepers.

Some Victorian beekeepers are bracing for varroa mite infestations, with some prepared to walk away from their businesses. Picture: Nick Cubbin

“It is a case of resources, and beekeepers are very time poor,” Mr Hobbs said.

“ … I was talking to one of the beekeepers who do the pollination, and they were of the opinion that this might be one of our last pollination seasons … there are local beekeepers around here saying when (the mite) comes here, they’ll stop being a beekeeper and call it quits.”

An Agriculture Victoria spokesperson’s said the department was supporting industry and businesses “through the implementation of the nationally funded Transition to Management program”.

“To facilitate business continuity of pollination services and honey production, bees will be able to move from all other states and territories into Victoria under permit in the coming months as long as they are not found to be infested with varroa via testing, and all permit requirements are met.”

It is understood nine permits have been issued in 2024 for the movement of interstate hives into Victoria, with permit applications expected to grow as almond pollination season approaches.