Hive of activities to grow the WA bee industry

• Western Australian honey, bee and pollination businesses on a clear path for a strong future
• State invests across biosecurity, production, business and trade to optimise bee industry potential
• Registered beekeepers have increased tenfold in the past decade to more than 4880 registrations between Derby and Esperance

Western Australia's bee industry is buzzing as the industry embarks on a new strategic plan to grow and forge new markets with the support of the Cook Labor Government.

Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis attended today's WA Beekeeping Community Conference and welcomed the launch of the Beekeeping Industry Strategic Plan, developed with co-funding from the State Government.

The plan provides the bee industry with a clear path of direction on how to capitalise on opportunities.

Registered beekeepers have increased tenfold in the past decade to more than 4880 registrations between Derby and Esperance.

WA is free from many of the world's worst bee pests and diseases, providing a unique marketing advantage for the State's honey producers.

This valuable status is reinforced by the WA and Australian Governments' National and State Monitoring and Surveillance program to detect exotic pests and diseases at ports, airports and major freight centres.

The WA Government also delivers a biosecurity engagement program to beekeepers to maintain hive hygiene and biosecurity measures.

Global demand for honey continues to outstrip supply, with WA honey exports valued at $7.5 million in 2021. These exports are mainly destined for China, Japan and South Korea, with emerging growth in the Middle East, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The State's jarrah honey is gaining international market attention for its antibacterial properties, with increasing interest from Asian customers.

Comments attributed to Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:

"It is positive to see Western Australia's bee industry launch their new strategic plan to optimise the potential for bee and honey production, pollination, processing and manufacturing.

"Government is working hand-in-hand with this diverse industry across production, biosecurity and trade as it matures and develops for the future.

"I'm excited to watch the industry grow as it makes the most of WA's unique biosecurity status and environmental assets."