In a sweet boost to the local beekeeping industry, a new research team has been set up to boost the profile of honey products in Australia.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Co-operative Research Centre (CRC) for Honey Bee Products aims to resolve industry problems which limited the value and expansion of Australian honey bee products including beeswax, pollen and royal jelly.
CRC co-ordinator Dr Liz Barbour said current honey bee product value was estimated at $125 million but could be as high as $131 million if honey bee pollination-reliant food crops, were also factored in.
North Tamworth beekeeper Norm Maher said the golden resource already had much to offer our region.
“We have great natural resources with the trees and flora here,” Mr Maher said.
He said most Australian honey production was sold in the bulk market to commercial packers.
“Capilano is the largest packer in Australia but there are about 10 other smaller ones too.”
He believed the coastal-dwelling Manuka honey to be one of the industry’s biggest emerging markets.
Also known as “jelly bush honey”, Manuka is becoming increasingly popular in areas of health for its “anti-microbial qualities”.
“They are developing medicinal uses for it,” Mr Maher said.
“There is certainly high value for it at the moment.”
The CRC has flagged this New Zealand honey as a key area for development in Australia with potential for big expansion on this side of the Tasman.
Also in strong demand is Australian beeswax.
“It is very sought after because of its purity,” he said.
Honey pricing, like most markets, was at the mercy of supply which in turn was dependent on seasonal conditions and availability of natural flora.
Mr Maher said access into state forests in pursuit of this flora is also “still an issue” but mediation with relevant governments department is ongoing.
Also in the CRC’s sights is a renewed marketing push for a “clean, green” image of Australian honey, complete with new hive valuing technology.
“The CRC will value hive sites for both product quality and impact on bee health through critical data gathered using GIS (a computer system used to capture and display data),” CRC’s Dr Barbour said.
“This information will develop a bee credit which in unison with the carbon credit will give new value to native bush sites and support their conservation.
“New product management systems from site to product, will equip a new era of high value beekeeping.”