Applications now open for AgriFutures Honey Bee & Pollination Program Advisory Panel

The AgriFutures Honey Bee & Pollination Program is seeking to appoint four new members to the Honey Bee & Pollination Advisory Panel.

These positions are open to commercial honey producers, commercial pollinators and researchers working in honey bee or related fields, who are not currently engaged in AgriFutures Honey Bee & Pollination Program-funded research.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• industry experience and a desire to contribute to the industry
• understanding of industry research priorities
• strategic leadership and governance capability
• ability to contribute effectively to the Advisory Panel.

Applicants with experience in research and development management, extension or training are also encouraged to apply. Governance and financial management experience will be highly regarded.

About the AgriFutures Honey Bee and Pollination Program

The AgriFutures Honey Bee and Pollination Program invests in research that ensures a productive, sustainable and profitable beekeeping industry and secures the pollination of Australia’s horticultural and agricultural crops. The Program focuses on supporting the longevity of the honey bee and pollination industry in Australia with four priority areas:

• Improve hive productivity with innovative pest and disease control, feeding, breeding, and automation solutions
• Improve pollination, floral resource access and industry sustainability
• Enhance industry capability
• Deliver quality Australian honey with well characterised attributes and traceability.

About the Advisory Panel

The Advisory Panel brings together a diverse mix of leading commercial beekeepers, pollination service providers, researchers and industry advisors, offering deep expertise across honey bee genetics, health, nutrition, pollination, commercial production and applied research to support informed decision‑making for the program.

The Advisory Panel provides recommendations on the allocation of RD&E funding for the AgriFutures Honey Bee and Pollination Program.

AgriFutures Australia aims to maintain geographical, age and gender diversity to ensure that the Advisory Panel appropriately represents the Honey Bee and Pollination industry.

Advisory Panel member roles & responsibilities

The core functions of AgriFutures Industry Advisory Panels are to ensure that RD&E investment remains industry-demand driven, including:

• Advising – providing advice on the industry requirements for investment through the development and monitoring of Strategic RD&E Plans
• Identifying – providing recommendations to AgriFutures on suitable RD&E opportunities and activities to address industry issues
• Aligning – providing feedback and investment advice on RD&E proposals submitted to AgriFutures to ensure investment is aligned to priorities in the respective Program’s Strategic RD&E Plan
• Awareness –advising and assisting in the dissemination, adoption and commercialisation of RD&E activities.

Activities of the Program are funded by industry levy and Commonwealth funds, and any funds contributed from third parties. Advisory Panel members are recompensed for their services to AgriFutures Australia at rates determined by the Commonwealth’s Remuneration Tribunal.

Panel members may be required for up to 25 days per year and some travel is necessary.

Selection criteria:

• Industry experience and desire to contribute to the industry
• Understanding of industry research priorities
• Strategic leadership and governance skills
• Ability to contribute to AgriFutures Honey Bee and Pollination Advisory Panel

 

Prospective applicants should carefully consider the time commitment required to effectively contribute as an Advisory Panel member prior to submitting an application.

This is a valuable opportunity for the next generation of industry leaders to play an active role in shaping the future of the Australian honey bee and pollination sector.

To support continuity of knowledge and ensure a diversity of skills and perspectives, appointments will be staggered between August 2026 and November 2026. Successful applicants may also be invited to attend an Advisory Panel meeting as an observer prior to their official commencement.

For more information please refer to the Honey Bee & Pollination Program Advisory Panel Selection Criteria.

How to Apply:

Applicants must complete the application form and skills matrix, and attach a CV (maximum three pages) via the online application system. As part of the application, applicants will need to outline their relevant experience in the Australian agricultural sector and their expected contribution to the Advisory Panel. Applicants should consider the time commitment required to contribute effectively before applying.

Applications close 12pm (AEST) on Monday 20 July 2026.

To support continuity of knowledge and diversity of skills and perspectives, appointments will be staggered between August 2026 and November 2026.

Apply for the AgriFutures Honey Bee & Pollination Advisory Panel

For any questions regarding the AgriFutures Honey Bee & Pollination Advisory Panel recruitment please contact:

Luke Evans
Program Manager, Levied Industries
luke.evans@agrifutures.com.au