General News
9 June, 2026
Bee loss threatens crops
THE destruction of the feral honeybee population in the wake of the varroa mite incursion into Australia looms as a major peril to crops that rely on pollination, according to a recent report from the Wheen Bee Foundation.
The Pollination Security Status Report 2026 said Australia’s pollination system could face a potential shortfall of as many as 290,000 commercial honey bee hives under high-impact modelling scenarios.
The report identifies growing pressure on Australia's pollination system, with new modelling showing how varroa mite and rising demand for pollination services could widen gaps between hive supply and crop requirements in key agricultural regions.
Critically, the report highlights that unlike the USA or Canada, where treatment resistance emerged over decades – long after feral bee populations had collapsed and therefore the spread of these strains was slower – Australian beekeepers are facing resistant varroa strains almost immediately, leaving little time to adapt management practices.
WBF chair Peter Knoblanche said the report provides an integrated, holistic national assessment of pollination in Australia.
“This is the first time Australia has looked at pollination as a whole system, not just for agriculture, but also for biodiversity, ecosystems and socio-cultural values,” he said.
“Pollination is often invisible because when it works, everything functions as expected. Yet it is essential to Australia’s food production, natural environment and the economy.”
With a potential reduction of 95 per cent of feral honeybee populations (the unmanaged bees have no one looking after them to survive), crops that rely on pollination – even moderately, like canola – will feel the effects.
Mr Knoblanche said the findings highlight the need for coordinated long-term planning.
“The new modelling in this report is a major step forward,” he said.
“For the first time, we can begin to understand the scale of future pressure on Australia’s pollination system as varroa mite impacts both feral and managed honeybee populations.”
The modelling compares demand for pollination services from key horticultural industries with the estimated availability of managed honeybee hives during peak flowering periods.
Mr Knoblanche said the report marks an important step toward a coordinated national approach.
“What excites us most is that Australia finally has a baseline,” he said
“It's an evidence base to move into the consultation phase of the Australian Pollination Strategy with far greater clarity and focus.
“The consultation phase will be critical in testing assumptions, gathering additional evidence and ensuring the final strategy reflects practical experience from across Australia.”
The consultation invites all people involved in pollination to contribute to the development of the Australian Pollination Strategy.
For cropping regions like the Wimmera, the report presents a sobering outlook regarding the loss of ‘free’ pollination from feral honeybees – it would effectively end an era of reliance on these unmanaged pollinators for cropping success.
While the report focuses heavily on horticulture (almonds, berries), it includes broadacre crops (canola, faba beans, etc.) that benefit from pollination.
If these growers were forced to seek commercial hives to maintain current yields following the loss of feral bees, the sheer volume of hives required could be significant.
It’s not just cropping: with low global honey prices and honey adulteration adding to honey industry pressures, many of Australia’s prevalent small family-owned operators – about 70 per cent of whom generate less than $200,000 in annual revenue – will potentially leave the industry.
Varroa mite management will require an extra $20 and 30 minutes of work per hive per year, and modelling scenarios predict a reduction of 25 to 60 per cent of commercial hives.
“Pollination security is bigger than any one sector, and this report reflects the power of collaboration in tackling national challenges,” Mr Knoblanche said.
The report can be found online at bit.ly/4xg5RF4 and includes a survey/feedback opportunity – submissions close on September 30