BEEINFORMED

The Bee Industry Council of WA represents all stakeholders in the industry and will continue to lobby on behalf of them. BICWA has been engaged in various activities during this period, with ongoing work resulting in notable outcomes for the industry.

Words Michael Bellman, interim EO, BICWA

Supporting national pollination

WA beekeepers showed the strength of our industry by sending over 600 hives to South Australia for pollination — a huge effort that gained national media attention.1

This demonstrates the critical role WA bees play in Australian food security. BICWA has written to government seeking stronger support for our industry.

With additional funding for maintaining and strengthening our biosecurity, WA pollination could provide additional revenue streams for the industry.

Recent highlights

• WA Bee Connected 2025 event and training — The BICWA Conference and Transition to Management Training (T2M) were a great success, with strong feedback from attendees.

• Bee Sentry units — The rollout of Bee Sentry units is continuing across WA. These units act as an early warning system for exotic pests such as Varroa, helping protect the industry and our biosecurity. Placement in strategic locations is strengthening our preparedness and providing valuable data for monitoring.

• Meetings and representation — Productive discussions with DBCA, APC, and DPIRD; Kate Byrne, BICWA Board Director, represented WA at the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC) 2025 AGM meeting in Adelaide, and the Farm Business Resilience Program with Value Creators was rolled out to positive reviews.

• Industry Recognition — AHBIC’s Danny Le Feuvre attended the WA Bee Connected 2025 event and gave glowing feedback on WA’s efforts.

• EPA Submission for Alcoa response to stop mining the Jarrah forest — This resource is vital for bee health and industry growth; it needs to be protected.

Jarrah honey trademark (CTM)

To ensure the Jarrah forest resource is saved and the millions invested by government and industry in developing Jarrah honey as a medicinal honey are protected, work continues on securing the Jarrah Honey trademark. This is a generational project that will provide long-term funding for the industry and strengthen protection of the Jarrah forest. Despite some challenges, progress is being made:

• Release of funding from ChemCentre that was put aside for the trademark in that project.

• DPIRD has confirmed $20,000 towards a business plan to guide the process.

• Ongoing engagement with key industry stakeholders to secure further support.

Key meetings

• Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) — Discussed hive placement, prescribed burning, native title, forest health, Green Card training for beekeepers, and opportunities for closer cooperation. Agreement reached for quarterly meetings with DBCA senior staff and an annual joint meeting with DPIRD.

• Agriculture Produce Commission (APC) Beekeeper Producers Committee (BPC) — Issues raised include levy collection, transparency of payments, and Fee for Service (FFS) functions. BICWA to attend the next APC BPC meeting and follow up with the Minister.

• Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) — Strong support expressed for the Jarrah CTM project, with assistance on data, IP, and trade information. Recognition that this is the first attempt in WA to protect a native species through a certification trademark.

Looking ahead

• Strategic planning workshop — The BICWA Board recently met for a full-day workshop facilitated by Value Creators and supported by DPIRD. The session was designed to identify BICWA’s future focus, with discussions centred on four key priorities: industry data collection, stakeholder engagement, biosecurity, and funding.

• Future funding — Work continues to secure resources to match the growing scope of projects and commitments.

In summary: BICWA has delivered strong outcomes in recent months, but the workload continues to grow. Securing the Jarrah Honey trademark, strengthening government engagement, and ensuring sustainable resources remain top priorities for the year ahead.