The Rudd Government has committed $300,000 over the next two years to continue an important surveillance program for pests and disease in Australia’s honey bee and pollination industries.
The National Sentinel Hive Program was established in 2000 at 27 sea ports around the country to monitor for honey bee parasites and exotic bees.
Recent outbreaks of bee diseases and pests have affected agricultural industries in a number of overseas countries.
A House of Representatives Standing Committee inquiry this year recommended the National Sentinel Hive Program be continued to help protect the Australian industry.
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Tony Burke, said: "The Government recognises the importance of rigorous quarantine and biosecurity measures to protect our valuable agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.
"The Australian honey bee industry is fortunate to be free so far of Varroa and other pests and disease affecting other countries – but we must remain vigilant.
According to figures released last week by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics, the estimated gross value of honey and beeswax production in 2007-08 was $75 million.
The figures show there were more than 1,700 commercial beekeepers in Australia during 2006-07.
Bees are also crucial for pollinating dozens of horticultural crops, as well as pastures, fodder and some broadacre crops. (See separate story).