Tasmania’s honeybee industry will be supported via the launch of a $90,000 Pollination Small Grants Program, supplied through the Tasmanian government.
The new program will aim to support projects that will increase the availability and viability of pollination services in Tasmania.
This program is part of the government’s 2018-19 commitment of $750,000 over three years to implement the Tasmanian Bee Industry Futures Report.
To help maintain Tasmania’s reputation for producing high-quality products, including honey, the government is also providing $20,000 to establish a “Honey Library.”
Tasmania’s beekeeping industry is recognised for its leatherwood honey, but it also produces a range of other varieties including Manuka, prickly box, clover and gum.
In addition, the honeybee industry provides a vital pollination service for many of the Tasmania’s agricultural and horticultural crops.
The Tasmanian state government has a target to grow the annual farm-gate value of agriculture to $10 billion by 2050. To help achieve this growth, an expansion of viable pollination services is essential for many pollination-dependant crops.
The Tasmanian Honey Assurance System is an integrated traceability system for honey produced in Tasmania.
It is being created through a partnership with the Tasmanian Beekeepers Association, the University of Tasmania with matching funding from the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Honey Bee Products.
For information on the Pollination Small Grants Program, go to www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/bees