INDUSTRY NEWS
Consultation on Australia ' s first pollination strategy closing soon
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THE almond industry is being urged to share its knowledge, experiences and ideas to help guide the future of pollination in our country, as consultation to help shape Australia’ s first pollination strategy closes at the end of September. The consultation follows the release of the Pollination Security Status Report 2026, the first holistic assessment of Australia’ s pollination system. The report identifies growing pressure on Australia’ s pollination system, with new modelling showing how varroa mite and rising demand for pollination services could widen gaps between hive supply and crop requirements in key agricultural regions. Wheen Bee Foundation Chair Peter Knoblanche said the report provides an integrated national holistic assessment of pollination in Australia.“ This is the first time Australia has looked at pollination as a whole system, not just for agriculture, but also for biodiversity, ecosystems and socio-cultural values,” Mr Knoblanche said.“ Pollination is often invisible because when it works, everything functions as expected. Yet it is essential to Australia’ s food production, natural environment and the economy.”
In A Nutshell- Spring 2026 Vol 27 Issue 3
He said the findings highlight the need for coordinated long-term planning.“ The new modelling in this report is a major step forward," he said. " For the first time, we can begin to understand the scale of future pressure on Australia’ s pollination system as varroa mite impacts both feral and managed honey bee populations.” The modelling compares demand for pollination services from key horticultural industries with the estimated availability of managed honey bee hives during peak flowering periods. One scenario modelled in the report, based on the US experience, suggests Australia could face a shortfall of 290,000 commercial honey bee hives during peak pollination periods across eastern Australia if feral populations decline and managed hive numbers fall significantly.“ The scenarios in this report highlight why Australia needs coordinated planning, investment and action to strengthen pollination security and prepare for future risks.” Mr Knoblanche said the report marks an important step toward a coordinated national approach.“ What excites us most is that Australia finally has a baseline. It’ s an evidence base to move into the consultation phase of the Australian Pollination Strategy with far greater clarity and focus.“ The consultation phase will be critical in testing assumptions, gathering additional evidence and ensuring the final strategy reflects practical experience from across Australia.” Australian Pollination Strategy Program Manager Tracie Armstrong said the consultation provides an opportunity to bring together perspectives from across Australia.“ Pollination is fundamental to Australia’ s agriculture, biodiversity, ecosystems and socio-cultural values, and this consultation will help shape a strategy that reflects the priorities and opportunities for pollination across Australia,” Ms Armstrong said. The online survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and asks about the role of pollination in your area, the importance of different pollinators and the priorities that should be considered in the strategy. The survey closes on Wednesday, 30 September 2026. Written submissions can be emailed to aps @ wheenbeefoundation. org. au.