Australian beekeepers are calling for the urgent return of in-person training workshops, arguing that online resources alone are insufficient to address the escalating biosecurity risks posed by the deadly Varroa mite.
The parasite, first detected in South Australia earlier this year, has sent shockwaves through the nation’s apiary industry. For commercial operators and hobbyists alike, the discovery has highlighted the sector’s vulnerability to invasive pests—and the critical importance of hands-on skills in safeguarding hives.
The stakes are significant. Industry groups estimate that the annual cost of treatment for a beekeeper could climb as high as $21,000, placing considerable strain on small and mid-sized operators. Beyond the direct expenses, there are ripple effects across the broader agricultural economy: pollination services underpin crops from almonds to canola, with billions of dollars of production at risk should the mite spread unchecked.
Calls for reinstating training workshops reflect the sector’s frustration that biosecurity preparation has not kept pace with the mounting threats. Face-to-face sessions, advocates argue, provide opportunities to demonstrate early detection techniques, share experiences across regions, and build networks of rapid response—elements difficult to replicate in a digital environment.
Government agencies have so far emphasised digital education and resource kits, pointing to the reach and speed of online delivery. But critics contend that the model falls short for an industry built on practical, highly tactile work.
The Varroa mite’s arrival in Australia is a watershed moment.
Industry leaders warn that without urgent investment in training and support, small operators may be forced out of business, consolidating the sector and leaving fewer producers to shoulder the pollination needs of Australian agriculture.
For many beekeepers, the call is not simply about funding but about preserving a way of life.