Beekeepers grappling with Varroa Mite Outbreak and Seeking an Industry Exit Strategy

In June 2022, the presence of Varroa mites in sentinel hives was detected at the Port of Newcastle. However, subsequent investigations determined that the infestation's epicenter was located further north, near Williamtown. The extensive inquiry, named Operation Decker, was initiated following valuable information provided by the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (DPI). Scott Hansen, the Director-General of NSW DPI, explained that the information included both on-ground intelligence and epidemiological data.

The Varroa mite incursion did not follow the expected natural pathway into the Newcastle port. Currently, the DPI's virology team is studying the viruses carried by these mites and attempting to perform genomic sequencing, which could yield vital insights.

The Australian Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry is engaged in the ongoing investigation, with assistance from state law enforcement agencies. Given the ongoing nature of the investigation, no further comments have been provided.

Under the Biosecurity Act 2015, the maximum penalties for offenses related to this outbreak are severe, with potential repercussions including up to 10 years of imprisonment or fines of up to $626,000 per offense.

Beekeepers Forced to Cull Hives: Jon Lockwood, a second-generation beekeeper from Goldfields Honey near Orange, faced a dire situation as his 2,500 hives were found to be within the eradication zone after Varroa mites were confirmed in a neighboring orchard. Although his hives were not initially infested, they had to be euthanized due to their location within the eradication zone. The sheer scale of his operation made this a challenging task, and he and his team had to euthanize the hives themselves, as the DPI lacked the necessary manpower.

Derek Seam, a beekeeper from Kempsey, also experienced the impact of the Varroa mite incursion. While his bees initially tested negative for Varroa through mandatory alcohol-wash testing, the detection of Varroa mites within a 3km radius of his bees meant that they would have to be destroyed under the eradication order. As a result, he had to move his 1,000 hives to almond orchards in the Riverina, which were located 1,000 kilometers away.

Challenges in Eradication Efforts: The DPI has spearheaded the response to the Varroa mite as part of the Varroa mite national management group, which includes input from 16 pollination-dependent industries. The transition from an eradication strategy to management proved to be a challenging process, and the eradication strategy was eventually abandoned in September.

Over $101 million has been allocated for the response, with NSW contributing $57.5 million to these efforts. The DPI's director-general, Mr. Hansen, explained that the Varroa mite had arrived approximately 12 to 18 months before it became evident to the government and industry stakeholders. In the case of Kempsey, the Varroa mite infestation had been present for at least eight months before an effective response could be initiated. Such time lags have posed significant obstacles to an efficient eradication response.

Despite NSW being home to 45 percent of Australia's beekeepers, there was a lack of industry-wide compliance with Varroa testing. Less than half of the registered beekeepers performed the required alcohol washes within the specified timeframe, which significantly hampered the eradication program.

As of now, there are 35 open investigations, 23 enforced penalty notices, and five warning letters issued in terms of compliance, according to a DPI spokesperson.

Call for Exit Strategies and Financial Incentives: The Varroa mite outbreak has cast a cloud of uncertainty over the beekeeping industry, as beekeepers anticipate the spread of Varroa through the landscape. Simultaneously, they face challenges of low honey prices due to an influx of imported honey. Many beekeepers are at a crossroads, and there's an estimated departure of up to a third of commercial beekeepers from the industry, with hobbyists and semi-commercial operators potentially reducing by up to 60 percent.

Jon Lockwood, the managing director of Goldfields Honey, emphasizes the importance of making swift decisions while beehives are still healthy and free from Varroa. He believes that a strategy must be developed to support beekeepers in exiting the industry while they still have viable assets to sell. Lockwood calls for financial incentives from the government to facilitate this transition.

A Shifting Landscape: Experts anticipate that Varroa mites will spread across Australia within three years, sparing Western Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory. While native stingless bees will remain unaffected, feral bee populations are expected to decrease by 95 percent.

Southern Cross University Researcher Cooper Schouten suggests that despite the challenges, managing Varroa could create opportunities within the industry. With the decline in feral honey bees, growers may need to pay for more hives to maintain pollination services, potentially increasing the demand for such services.

The Australian honeybee industry plays a crucial role in pollinating food crops and contributes over $6 billion annually. The combined economic contribution of managed and wild honey bee pollinators, including honey and bee products, is estimated at $14 billion each year.

In conclusion, the Varroa mite outbreak has brought about significant challenges for the beekeeping industry, necessitating strategic planning, financial incentives, and a transition from eradication to management efforts.

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