Global experts to gather in SA for pollination “at the crossroads” seminar
Protection of Australia’s honeybee population and plant-based agricultural industries will be the focus of a seminar in South Australia next week, featuring national and international pollination experts.
The “pollination at the crossroads” information day will underline the importance of preventing the introduction into Australia of exotic pests and diseases which pose a significant risk to honeybees and the crops and plants they pollinate.
Honeybees are responsible for the resulting production of around one-third of the food Australians eat, and the value of pollination by managed honeybees to the Australian economy is estimated to be $1.7 billion. Australia is the last place on earth where honeybees exist in a largely pest and disease-free environment.
However, the future viability of Australia’s plant-based food industries could seriously be threatened, should the Varroa Mite and other pests make their way into the country. Bee populations elsewhere in the world have dwindled significantly in recent times as a result of a phenomenon that has been labelled Colony Collapse Disorder. Research is pointing at several potential causes for the disappearance of bees, however, an exact cause has yet to be determined.
The Australian Government, in co-operation with 10 commodity groups, has established Pollination Australia which is developing a business plan to prepare and equip relevant industries for any possible honeybee pest or disease incursion.
Apiarists and primary producers from a cross-section of industries are being encouraged to attend next week’s information day at Virginia.
What: “Pollination at the crossroads” information day.
Where: The Virginia Community Centre
When: Monday, July 14, from 10am
Who: The seminar will feature Randy Oliver, an international pollination consultant from the USA; Dr Max Whitten, an entomologist formerly with the CSIRO and an adviser to Pollination Australia; Julie Haslett, executive officer of Pollination Australia and the Australian Almond Board; and Rory McEwen, SA Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries and Minister for Forests.
The information day is supported by apiarists of SA, Almond Board of Australia, Apple and Pear Growers of SA, Burt’s Bees, Grow SA, Leabrook Farms Honey, Lucerne Australia, Pollination Australia, SA Beekeeping Supplies and PIRSA.
Media enquiries can be directed to Lee Welch at Porter Novelli on 8407 0000 or 0407 390 089.