Chair Report May 2025 

The past couple of months have been a busy period for AHBIC operationally.  It is pleasing to see the 2025-2030 AHBIC strategic plan finalised which will be up on our website soon. The strategic plan will provide AHBIC with direction moving forward and a reference document for the AHBIC board and staff to refer too.

The AHBIC team is busy preparing for the upcoming AHBIC AGM which will provide the opportunity for our member bodies to have input and guidance to AHBIC’s operations.  There are a number of vacant positions coming up and I encourage everyone to either nominate if eligible or think of someone to tap in the shoulder.  A strong AHBIC board will drive better outcomes for our industry.

It is with a sad heart I announce that I am resigning my position as chair of AHBIC for personal reasons which will take effect at the upcoming AGM. I am still passionate about bees and our wonderful industry.

Three years of being the chair, busy at the beginning from the varroa detection, the response and now low honey prices has been challenging for both AHBIC and industry. I was amazed at the range of issues and how many government departments that AHBIC provides input to or interacts with.

I am proud of the AHBIC team and how they have risen to every challenge. AHBIC has done an amazing job with limited resources and continues to lobby and work hard for our industry.

Being the chair of AHBIC has been a learning curve and challenging at times but also very rewarding. I would like to thank the AHBIC executive and especially our CEO Danny Le Feuvre for their support and patience during my time as chair.

Whilst this is a mid-term resignation and the AHBIC board has the authority to fill the casual vacancy at any time, we have decided to open the vacancy to the AGM process and if there is more than one nomination allow a vote to occur.

The member body AGM’s have started and levies will be discussed at these meetings. Please get involved in the conversation. AHBIC is continuing to work on imported honey, biosecurity with PHA and the pollination initiative.

Stephen Targett

Chairman