Bees Issues
The once bright future of the honey bee in New Zealand is under serious threat. The arrival of the Varroa mite in 2000 dramatically changed the future of the bee industry. As it has spread Federated Farmers has seen the decimation of New Zealand's feral/wild beehives, effectively halving the total bee pollination workforce. Without human intervention, this aggressive mite will kill every bee colony in New Zealand.
Pollination provided by the bee industry contributes at least $4.5 billion annually to New Zealand's economy and underpins a further $12.5 billion of export revenue from the horticulture, arable, pastoral and beekeeping sectors. No other industry sector holds such a responsibility; pollination delivers much of the food we eat and a large portion of the products which we export as a nation.
The increasing importance of agricultural sustainability and food security means that honey bee decline both in New Zealand and internationally is of serious concern. Aside from habitat loss, the main issues leading to a pollinator crisis in New Zealand are increasing honey bee pests and diseases, declining floral resources leading to pollen shortages and bee malnutrition and undervaluing the vital role of the beekeeping industry to the economy.
Significant threats to New Zealand's bee population and horticulture, arable and pastoral industries come in the form of bacteria, viruses and invasive insects. Any combination of these combined with Varroa can be devastating and do irreparable damage. It is vital that as a country we recognise the immense value the honey bee delivers and accordingly take immediate steps to strengthen our protection of this key sector. Part of this process must be strong and successful biosecurity measures.
The Federation considers robust Import Health Standards are another crucial tool for the protection of our bee industry. When this fails our industry and many others are put in jeopardy.
The importation of ‘artificial' pollen for use in the kiwifruit industry which occurred under an Import Health Standard relating to nursery stock was unacceptable. The bee industry was never consulted and therefore there were no protocols for testing the pollen for viruses or bacteria. Unfortunately, this may have led to the introduction of PSA into New Zealand kiwifruit orchards. This is an example of why stricter controls are needed on all bee related products coming into New Zealand.
The American Foulbrood Pest Management Strategy's ten year review is still a work in progress and the current strategy stands, almost three years since the review was initiated. This performance offers little comfort for an industry that has driven this strategy and has strived to achieve the goals which were set.
Federated Farmers wants
- Recognition of the value of bees to New Zealand as a whole to the country and economy
- Management plans to deal with bee pests not currently in New Zealand
- Ongoing financial support to be made available to the bee industry for the continuation of surveillance, education and bee research
Spokesperson
Federated Farmers Bees spokesperson is John Hartnel. You can contact him at john@hartnellnz.com.
