Chair Report July 2025 

AHBIC AGM

On the 5th of July AHBIC held its AGM in Adelaide, the day after the South Australian conference. The day was started with a presentation and interactive workshop by AgriFutures to assist in creating their next strategic plan. I urge all levy payers to contribute to creating their strategic plan by filling out this survey: Feedback on AgriFutures Australia’s performance

The AGM was a successful day and was well represented by delegates from AHBIC’s member bodies and we had a good number of observers. Coming along as an observer is a great way to learn more about how AHBIC works and the outcomes that it achieves. Come along next year!

The day was comprised of several business items including, Biosecurity update, National Bee Pest Surveillance Program information, imported honey subcommittee update, levies review and motions were put forward to discuss, thank you Tasmania!

An important point to note, AHBIC had 11 subcommittees, many of which had completed their set tasks or were inactive. Each subcommittee requires a degree of effort to keep them active including administrative support. It is important to use AHBIC’s limited resources for the most effective outcomes. It was discussed and delegates voted that 9 subcommittees be closed except for two committees; the Levies and Imported honey. Delegates voted to close Education, Resources, Biosecurity, Events, Congress, Queen bee & Drone Semen Importation, AHBIC branding Review, Food Safety and National Field Day.

That said, if there is a real need for a new subcommittee, one can be set up if required. Please contact me with a paper that can be presented to the executive for discussion.

Next year’s AHBIC AGM will be held in Tasmania, dates and location is to be advised by the Tasmanian Beekeepers Association Executive.

Outgoing and New AHBIC Executive

Stephen Targett joined AHBIC as Chair in June 2022—just ten days before the detection of varroa in New South Wales. Great timing Stephen! The previous three years have been the most challenging period, not only for beekeepers but for AHBIC itself.

Despite the challenges during the response, Stephen held the team together. On many occasions, there were hot heads, (me included!), Stephen with his experience and maturity, saw reason and defused the situations. I personally have learnt a lot from Stephen.

Stephen has left AHBIC in a better position and has coached the next generation to continue his work. Prior to joining AHBIC, Stephen had sold his bee business, he held the Chair position simply to give back to the industry.

Thankyou Stephen for giving your time to our industry.

Therese Kershaw dedicated six years on to the AHBIC executive. Once again, during a very tough period. During her time on the executive, Therese identified and encouraged new people to join the AHBIC executive.

Therese selflessly gave hours of her time to the organisation and helping implement several successful events. Thereses knowledge and passion for the industry has immensely benefited the honeybee industry, she will be missed in the team.

Thankyou Therese for giving your time to our industry.

Our new executive comprises of Myself as Chair, Lindsay Callaway as Deputy Chair, Dr Ben McKee, Dr Cooper Schouten and incoming, Dr Dianna Leemon and Ben Hooper.

Di with her research and academic ability, Ben with his beekeeping knowledge and business skills will prove to be very valuable to the organisation. We Welcome Di and Ben to the team and look forward to working with you.

Levee review

The Levy review subcommittee has been hard at work for quite some time now, Chaired by Peter McDonald. The committee has done a fantastic job reviewing and making recommendations to the AHBIC executive.

Why do we need to review and or change the levies? Simply put, industries existing levy funded programs, being;

• National Residue Survey,
• National Bee Pest Surveillance Program,
• Bee Biosecurity Program and
• Membership to Plant Health Australia,

are simply running low on money, they are all essential programs for our industry.

A proposed section in the new levy is for marketing Australian honey. Historically our industry has not invested in marketing our beautiful product, perhaps it is time?

AHBIC is responsible for consulting with industry about these proposed changes. Our CEO, Danny has presented at all member body conferences on the proposal. Danny did not receive negative feedback from the audiences, a reflection that the proposal is on the right track. Much more consultation on the proposal is scheduled in the coming months, so please take notice, be subscribed to our newsletter and be sure to express your view. The levy review process is complex and communicating each step until it is completed will be the focus for our CEO’s activities.

On the Horizon

As hives emerge from winter, there has been both good news and bad news. Operators that have not treated for Varroa correctly are seeing the consequences, while those that have, are reporting no issues. This sentiment will remain true moving forward, committed operators will prosper and this provides reassurance to states not yet with Varroa that it is not the end of the world.

Thank you to the industry in your support towards AHBIC and myself chairing the organisation, I will endeavor to do the best job possible. Good luck with the season ahead.

 

Jon Lockwood

Chair