Rural Aid Reminds Varroa-affected Beekeepers Of Support

Charity, Rural Aid has recommitted its support of commercial beekeepers affected by the invasive varroa mite and its devastating impact on our nation’s honeybees.

More than 260 outbreaks of varroa mite have been detected since June 2022, when the alarm was first raised at the Port of Newcastle.

Chief Executive Officer of Rural Aid, John Warlters said Rural Aid, like everyone involved in agriculture was enormously concerned for our beekeepers and “littlest livestock”.

“Rural Aid is supporting beekeepers with an offer of $1500 of financial assistance and rural counsellors on standby to provide emotional support,” Mr Warlters said.

The detection of varroa mite in h ives in the Sunraysia region of southern NSW, one of the most heavily bee-dependent regions for the pollination of crops, had further heighted conerns for the industry.

NSW DPI said Sunraysia was currently hosting the largest concentration of managed European honebee hives in Australia to provide pollination services for almond orchards.

Rural Aid has already provided more than $500,000 to beekeepers since 2015 and was ready to provide another hand-up to producers when it was needed most.

“Our thoughts are with beekeepers and their families at this time,” Mr Warlters said.

“It must be soul-destroying to see precious hives euthanised on top of the significant financial impact.

“Rural Aid has experienced an increase in calls from distressed beekeepers who are understandably upset that their livelihoods and livestock are in jeopardy.

“Our counselling team is encouraging apiarists to help primary producers navigate crisis.

“We thank the NSW DPI for their trust in encouraging apiarists to reach out to Rural Aid.

“We are urging affected beekeepers to get in touch with Rural Aid at this distressing time.”

Varroa-mite affected beekeepers can apply for assistance at www.ruralaid.org.au/services-provided/.

Donations can be made at https://varroamite.ruralaid.org.au/.

• Topics:

• Agriculture / Farming
• Animal Health
• Grant / Funding