Chair Quarterly Report April 2026

Recently I attended an event where I listened to the CEO of Sunrice speak. I was intrigued by his sentiment that Australian primary produces are some of the toughest, most resilient in the world. Not only do we operate in such a harsh variable climate, but we are not subsidised by our government like many of our competitors internationally due to Australia’s free trade stance. Yes, Australian beekeepers are tough and resilient, we’ve got this!

Resistant Varroa, A New Incursion

It is extremely upsetting to learn that Australia has identified resistance genes in both Pyrethroid; L925l/L925M (Bayvarol and Apistan), and Amitraz; Y215H (Apivar and Amitraz).

Disturbingly, it has been announced that the resistant mite is a new incursion. NSW DPIRD have determined the AMR1 virus associated with new varroa points to it being most similar to samples from North America and Belgium as the origin. Fortunately, no new viruses have been identified, once again, we may have dodged the deformed wing virus bullet.

NSW DPIRD and QLD DPI are conducting further tracing with all reports of the resistant variant being connected. At present the resistance has been identified in southern Queensland and across NSW, with tracing identifying the mites is SA with the first detection but not considered established in SA at this stage.

Once again, AHBIC has been communicating with the investigators and government to identify the pathway of entry. It simply is not acceptable that not one but now two separate mites have entered our shores without a definitive pathway. If you know of any suspicious activity, no matter how small, please contact AHBIC or REDLINE.

Our thoughts are with those operators that have learnt that they have the new variant of the mites the hard way, losing entire apiaries in some cases.

What does this mean for Australian beekeepers?

The mite from the 2022 incursion was tested and proven to not have resistant markers. This meant that with correct practices, beekeepers would have had both Pyrethroid and Amitraz usage without significant failure for years, if not decades to come.

Now with resistance to the said chemical classes, the playbook for successful mite management has a new chapter. Does this mean that Pyrethroids and Amitraz simply won’t work anymore? NO. However, if pyrethroids and Amitraz are the only treatments being used then you are actively selecting for the resistant mites.

The key message from AHBIC:

1. Control your own backyard. Internationally we see ‘pockets’ of resistance, BUT, we also see the use of synthetics successfully with correct practices, particularly with Amitraz.
2. Non synthetic treatments such as Formic, Oxalic and Thymol are your friends. Using these regularly, including pre and post synthetic use are killing the resistant mite population which will increase the efficacy of your synthetic treatment.
3. Check, Check, Check! Monitoring is your mate.

For further details on identifying and managing resistant mites, please see AHBIC’s fact sheet on resistance (IN THIS EDITION)

AgriFutures

AHBIC is committed to further develop and foster the relationship between the honeybee industry and AgriFutures. It is extremely important for AHBIC to ensure that AgriFutures deeply understand the challenges and needs of our industry.

Over the past months, AHBIC have had several engagements with the AgriFutures staff. Amanda Olthof the Senior Manager of Levied Industries and Luke Evans the Program Manager for the Honeybee and Pollination Program came to our AHBIC executive meeting to discuss issues and learn how we can build a stronger relationship. Luke Evans also came to visit me at our base. Luke explained that the visit was very important for him to see in person how a commercial bee operation works. He will now have a greater understanding of beekeeping.

In March, Mick Vetch, the new Chair of AgriFutures called to visit me at our premises. It was great to sit down with Mick and discuss the dynamics of our industry and give him greater context as to our industry’s needs. Mick was involved with our industry in the past when he sat as the NSW Shadow Agriculture Minister. It’s great to have someone with prior knowledge and understanding in the role.

There are four positions coming up to sit on the Honeybee and Pollination advisory panel in the next 12 months. Please take a look at the AgriFutures website, and keep this in mind for yourself or someone that may be suitable: Advisory Panel Recruitment | AgriFutures Australia

Honey and Pollination

Honey production has remained average over the past quarter nationally. Stockpiles in beekeepers and packers sheds are diminishing. Recently we have seen the price slowly start to creep up, however this is not enough to provide beekeepers financial sustainability. Diesel prices have had a significant effect on running costs. Thankfully over that last week prices have come down to a more realistic figure. Looking forward, it is predicted that much of the country will experience a dry winter and spring which will impact next season’s production immensely.

AHBIC patiently wait for DAFF to unpack the findings of the recent imported honey survey, this is extremely frustrating, but nothing happens fast in this area.

Almond contracts and prices are currently being negotiated. Brokers, growers and beekeepers are becoming nervous as many reports are coming through that Varroa is significantly impacting hive health. Almond growers in some regions are reporting a tough harvest as many received unwanted rain in January. The horticulture industry are important partners of the bee industry, and we need to navigate the tough times together.

Jon Lockwood

Chair