Issues and Trends
For the North Island, at least, the major influence will continue to be varroa. This is such a serious pest that if hives are not treated, or not treated at the correct time, then the colony will die. Non-treated colonies spread varroa through infected bees drifting into healthy colonies or healthy colonies robbing-out weakened hives. Either way, managed hives are subject to reinfestation. This means hives require regular monitoring in spring, mid-summer and autumn. Hives need treating at least twice a year and many need three treatments per year during the acute phase of the varroa spread.
The costs of monitoring and treating varroa using registered miticide strips (Apistan and Bayvarol) are significant and can reach $26-$50/hive/year or more depending on the severity of reinfestation. Two organic acids are registered for varroa control, with a third undergoing the registration process. These products are cheaper to buy than miticide strips, but are more expensive to apply.
The costs of treating varroa may represent the net profit for many beekeeping operations, especially those without pollination or access to manuka sites. Few businesses sold during the year, but an estimated 2,000 hives were brought from the South Island to the North Island.
The Government-funded varroa management programme expires on 30 June 2003. The beekeeping industry, MAF, and other concerned bodies, such as regional councils and horticulture and agriculture industries, have developed a varroa management plan that embodies many aspects of the existing plan. However, it is not certain how this might be funded or if it will be funded. The implications of no industry or government intervention for varroa could see the varroa mite in the South Island sooner rather than later.
Beekeeper numbers have decreased by 290 over the past year with more casualties expected as varroa spreads, especially amongst the hobby beekeepers. The varroa movement control line, through the middle of the country, has been gradually compromised during the year and will most likely be removed. It has slowed the spread of the mite to southern areas of the North Island with the effects of varroa still to be felt in Taranaki, Wanganui, Wellington, Manawatu, Wairarapa and Hawke's Bay.
Some beekeepers in Canterbury are concerned that farmers are starting to use grass conditioners when haymaking. These are killing field bees with hive strength being noticeably depleted.
The issue of genetically modified (GM) crops, especially those with pollen yielding flowers like canola, concern the industry as bees could collect pollen from GM crops. Beekeepers are concerned that GM pollen in honey could have market impacts, especially in Europe.
On a brighter note, new beekeepers continue to enter the industry and commercial beekeeping businesses for sale are finding ready buyers. This bodes well for the long-term future of the industry. In addition, the significant rise in bulk prices paid for honey should be sustainable even though they are, to a large extent, dictated by international demand.
Contact for Enquiries
Farm Monitoring Programme Manager
Monitoring and Evaluation
MAF Policy
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0623
Fax: +64 4 894 0741
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