A recent study has forecasted a significant deficit of nearly 300,000 beehives during the peak crop pollination period in August, largely due to the devastating impact of the varroa mite, a harmful parasite responsible for the decline of bee populations.
The financial burden associated with managing the varroa mite, coupled with growing resistance to insecticides, is prompting around half of Australia’s beekeepers to exit the industry. In response, various industry organizations and researchers are collaborating to create a national plan aimed at ensuring pollination in Australia.
The Australian beekeeping sector has issued warnings about potential crop failures and a looming food crisis, as the varroa mite has already decimated approximately 60 percent of beehives. The spread of this parasite across eastern states and South Australia since 2022 has severely impacted numerous beekeeping operations.
A newly released Pollination Security Status Report 2026 by The Wheen Bee Foundation highlights an expected shortage of around 300,000 commercial beehives during the peak pollination season. Fiona Chambers, the foundation’s chief executive, emphasized the substantial consequences of this decline, stating, “Honey bees are particularly important for agriculture, influencing a wide array of crops such as almonds, cherries, stone fruits, avocados, and apples.”
According to the report, honey bees contribute approximately $14.2 billion to the Australian agricultural sector, with two-thirds of agricultural production relying on pollination. The anticipated deficit of 290,000 hives across New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia is informed by international experiences with the varroa mite.
“This will be a wake-up call for many,” Ms. Chambers remarked. “While people recognize the importance of bees, this report quantifies the urgency and scale of the issue we are facing.”
In addition to managed honey bees, Ms. Chambers pointed out the critical role of wild bee populations in agriculture. “A notable finding is the substantial contribution of feral honey bees to agricultural pollination. However, with the arrival of the varroa mite, we are likely to lose these wild bee populations as well,” she added.
Pollination service provider James Brownlie expressed concern over the predicted shortfall, aligning it with his observations within the industry. “The situation is alarming, as many beekeepers are leaving the field. The available hives will not suffice to meet demand,” he warned. “We are potentially facing a gradual food crisis, and many remain unaware of its impending nature.”
Peter McDonald, a beekeeper and industry leader from Central Victoria, estimates that varroa mite may lead to the closure of up to half of all beekeeping businesses. He voiced worries regarding the recent emergence of insecticide resistance, calling it “extremely concerning” and a potential breaking point for numerous beekeepers. “Every beekeeper is currently weighing whether they can continue or if it is worth it,” he said, suggesting that a third to half of the industry may collapse.
Mr. McDonald lamented the crippling financial and labor demands imposed by varroa management. “We are facing immense financial pressures from all sides; the situation is dire,” he commented. “Constant monitoring of hives for varroa is now essential.”
David Severino, a beekeeper from Phillip Island, recently decided to leave the industry after the detection of varroa at San Remo, which serves as a gateway to the island. As a small-scale producer, he found the resources required to manage the pest to be unfeasible. “I’m out, plain and simple,” he stated. “As a one-man operation, the costs and time involved are beyond my capabilities. Many others in my position are also leaving or downsizing.”
Mr. McDonald highlighted the challenges beekeepers face in passing on increased costs, especially when competing with cheaper imported honey. “We are essentially price-takers, and international prices tend to be lower,” he noted. “While we have some control over our retail sales, it is limited by what customers are willing to pay.”
Despite the challenges, Mr. McDonald noted that there might be some financial relief due to rising demand for pollination services, particularly in the almond sector. “Fortunately, many of our clients understand the implications and are open to higher prices for pollination services,” he remarked.
The Pollination Security Status Report was produced as part of a $2.64 million initiative by The Wheen Bee Foundation aimed at establishing a national pollination strategy. This project, backed by industry stakeholders, researchers, environmental organizations, and government entities, assessed the extensive impacts of pollination on agriculture, food security, ecosystems, and socio-economic systems.
Ms. Chambers described the report as a groundbreaking effort, stating, “This is the first of its kind, not only in Australia but globally, as it consolidates the latest available evidence. Healthy agriculture cannot exist without healthy ecosystems.” The strategy is anticipated to be released in November 2027.
