Beekeepers are struggling through a prolonged bust period for honey and say they can't afford many more costs.
That at a time when the value of honey has largely stagnated and declined for several years due to an oversupply of product. And the wider sector is split on what should be done about pests like varroa mites and American foulbrood.
Last month a North Canterbury farmer was ordered to burn 10,000 boxes of honey and bees within seven days of inspectors finding spores of AMF. The beekeeper said the honey was fine and the disease only impacts bee larvae.
Farmers Weekly recently reported a mass exodus of beekeepers from the sector with hives being sold off for a quarter of their usual price. And even in some cases for just $1, according to NZ Beekeeping president Jane Lorimer.
Jane speaks to Kathryn about her recent visit to beekeepers around the country. Apiculture NZ chief executive Karin Kos lays out why a sector-wide strategy is needed for better pest management and sustainable sector growth.
Photo: 123RF
