Rural
19 January, 2025
New grants to combat destructive pest
The Crisafulli government has launched a new fund to develop innovative solutions to protect Queensland’s beekeeping industry from the deadly varroa mite.
The Crisafulli government has launched a new fund to develop innovative solutions to protect Queensland’s beekeeping industry from the deadly varroa mite.
The $500,000 Community Bee Innovation Fund (CBIF) will provide grants of between $5,000 and $50,000 over the next three years for projects aimed at preparing and safeguarding the state’s beekeeping and pollination industries.
First detected in New South Wales in 2022, varroa mite is the world’s most destructive pest to honeybees and has recently been found near the Queensland border in Boggabilla.
The grants will support projects that:
Deliver innovative varroa mite education and training.
Develop new or improved varroa mite management tools.
Beekeeping clubs, universities, local councils, industry groups, and agricultural businesses are encouraged to apply.
Queensland’s beekeeping industry contributes $75 million annually in honey production and $2.4 billion in pollination value to the economy.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said strong biosecurity measures are vital to protecting the state’s agriculture.
“This fund empowers beekeepers, researchers, and industry groups to develop creative solutions that strengthen our defences against varroa mite,” he said.
The government is also delivering 100 new biosecurity officers over the next four years.
Applications for Round 1 of the CBIF close at 5pm AEST on 24 March 2025. More details are available at the Department of Primary Industries website.
