INDUSTRY NEWS
It ' s time to BeeConnected
THE next generation of a two-way communication platform that enables farmers , beekeepers and spray contractors to work together to manage honey bee hives has been unveiled . BeeConnected was developed nine years ago by CropLife Australia , the national peak industry organsiation for the plant science sector , in partnership with the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council ( AHBIC ). The award winning innovation has been adopted for use all over the world , including Canada , South America and India . The next generation of the app was developed following extensive feedback from farmers and apiarists . Using precise GPS capabilities , BeeConnected allows famers to map the circumference of their properties and log their spray activities . It also allows beekeepers to securely register the location of their hives . “ When a beehive is detected near farming activities , both are sent an instant confidential notification allowing them to communicate and coordinate for optimal pollination without compromising or identifying specific locations ," said CropLife Australia ' s Chief Executive Officer , Matthew Cossey . “ This collaboration empowers both farmers and beekeepers to protect these important pollinators .”
CropLife Australia ’ s chief executive officer Matthew Cossey at the launch of the BeeConnected app in November .
Mr Cossey said state farming organisations support the app as an important decision-making tool in dayto-day operations and spray activities . “ It ’ s exciting to see the almond industry get behind this tool by incorporating it as a best practice recommendation in their codes of practice and extension resources ," he said . “ With these substantial upgrades BeeConnected will be even more effective and useful and remain fit for purpose into the future .” Mr Cossey said a thriving honey bee population is crucial for many farming sectors and is even more important now that varroa mite is present in Australia . “ This has made it a tough time for beekeepers and the growers of crops
relying on honey bees for pollination ,” he said . “ BeeConnected is a practical way for Australian farmers to support the honey bee industry by not only avoiding unintentional harm but optimising pollination activities .” A 2023 report by Deloitte Access Economics calculated that 73 per cent of Australian agricultural crop production can be attributed to the use of crop protection pesticides . At the same time , around 65 percent of the crop species grown in Australia benefit from pollination . When used responsibly and in accordance with approved label instructions , crop protection products do not pose a risk to honey bee health which is why best practice in farming is important . AHBIC Chief Executive Officer Danny Le Feuvre said he was proud to be part of this world-leading initiative . “ Improving communication between users of crop protection products and beekeepers can further reduce the risk of accidental exposure of bees to any products which may have the potential to impact on bee health ,” he said . BeeConnected can be downloaded for free as an iPhone or Android App , or accessed on a desktop computer via a web browser . To find out more visit www . beeconnected . org . au .
Almondco wins recognition
ALMONDCO has collected two new Business Excellence awards for its display cabinet in recent months . In November , Almondco won the Export Award at the South Australian Premier ’ s Food and Beverage Industry Awards . The company also took out the Agribusiness , Food and Beverage Export Award at the South Australian Premier ’ s Business and Export Awards in September . The 2022-23 season was a record year for Almondco . It processed and exported 22,900 metric tonnes of almond products to 28 countries , valued at $ 178 million . Exports in the past year made up 71 % of total company sales . This was up 46 % on the previous crop year . Major export destinations included China , Europe , India , New Zealand , South Africa , UAE , the US and Vietnam . Managing director Brenton Woolston said the awards are recognition of the outstanding dedication to Almondco ’ s culture of excellence provided by our growers , suppliers , employees and board of directors .
Receiving the Agribusiness , Food and Beverages Export Award at the SA Premier ' s Business and Export Awards in September are Jake Langdon , Louis Curtis ( Director ), Rachel Jamieson and Paul Stewart .
18 In A Nutshell - Summer 2023 Vol 24 Issue 4