Collection of Contributions

Collection of Contributions to the Apiary Industry Fund

Under the Primary Industry Funding Schemes (Apiary Industry Fund) Regulations 2001, a contribution of $0.40 cents per hive kept (excluding nucleus hives) or $2.00, whichever is the greater sum, is required to be paid to the Minister for payment into the Apiary Industry Fund. Registration is an annual event that covers the period 1st March till the last day of February of the following year. The levy contribution is based on the number of hives owned as at 31 January or for a new applicant on the number of hives owned at the time of registering.

The Minister acts as the administrator of the Fund. In the absence of an Advisory Group, industry support for project applications is sought from the three industry associations – SA Apiarists Association, SA Farmers Federation (Apiary Group) and the Amateur Beekeepers Society of SA. If all three industry groups are in agreement, a recommendation for the release of the funds is forwarded to the Minister.

The only project currently funded by the Apiary Industry Fund is the development of a state based industry strategic plan. This plan is being developed under the guidance of an industry based steering committee, and is expected to be released in February 2006. The plan is being funded in partnership with Food SA and Primary Industries and Recourses SA. Industry’s contribution to the project is budgeted at around $35,000

Although contributions to the fund are collected on a compulsory basis from all apiarists, a refund of contributions paid is permitted. An apiarist seeking a refund of contributions is required to submit a Request for Refund form, and provide documentary evidence that the contribution was paid. A tax invoice from the registration/renewal process that indicates that the contribution has been deducted is adequate evidence.

Contributors to the Fund whose contributions are refunded are deemed to be in default of the regulations and are not entitled to any direct benefits from the Fund for a period of two years from the date of refund.