Bees

Draft bee biosecurity workplan – update

As of 6 February 2024, PIRSA’s request for feedback on the SA Bee Biosecurity Officer draft workplan for the 2023–2025 National Bee Biosecurity Program has been withdrawn.

The draft workplan is pending further discussion with industry representatives.

Movement restrictions

The following items cannot be brought into South Australia without written permission of the Chief Inspector of Stock.

  • bees
  • hives
  • associated apiary products
  • beekeeping property.

Restrictions on moving bees and bee commodities are in place to protect our apiary and horticulture industries from the threat of varroa mite, which has been detected in NSW.

Beekeeper registration

If you keep honey bees in South Australia, you must register your details and your hives every 12 months.

There are more than 2,000 beekeepers registered with Biosecurity SA. Registering through PIRSA means you receive important updates about pests and diseases, so you can take action to protect your honey bees.

Find out how to register as a new or renewing beekeeper, and the legislative requirements:

Pests, diseases and pesticides

Several pests and diseases affect honey bees:

Some of these are notifiable and must be immediately reported to control the damage they cause.

It is also important to protect honey bees from pesticides.

Guide to beekeeping in South Australia

Keeping honey bees involves protecting the industry, your neighbours, and yourself.

Learn about the biosecurity responsibilities and sale of honey bee products.

Download PDF

Products and pollination

European honey bees generate in excess of $269 million for Australia, directly from:

  • honey
  • beeswax
  • pollen
  • royal jelly
  • venom
  • package bees.

Their most significant contribution to the economy is pollinating agricultural and horticultural crops.

In Australia, 65% of plant-based industries depend on pollination, particularly almonds, apples, cherries, blueberries, lucerne, and clover. The national average economic value of honey bees in pollinating dependant crops is calculated at $14 billion.

South Australia has approximately 77,000 beehives which produce more than $15 million worth of products, primarily high-quality honey. Honey bees in the state pollinate an estimated $1.7 billion worth of agricultural and horticultural crops.

Learn about legislative requirements for almond pollination.

Related information

Contact

PIRSA Apiary Unit
Email: pirsa.beebiosecurity@sa.gov.au

Page last reviewed: 15 Feb 2024

 


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