The Congress will explore the theme of Pollination and Beekeeping for the Future, with program sessions focused on improving and maximising profits from pollination services, pesticide management, bee breeding, exotic pest threats, honey bee viruses, landscape design to support pollination, honey bee nutrition and the global honey trade.
Several AgriFutures™ Honey Bee & Pollination Advisory Panel members and associated researchers will deliver presentations at the Congress.
Attendees will hear from AgriFutures™ Honey Bee & Pollination Advisory Panel Chair, Dr Doug Somerville, on why fat bees make money. AgriFutures Australia funded researcher, Dr John Roberts, from CSIRO Health and Biosecurity will discuss the implications of Australia’s unique viral landscape and what we have ready to protect our honey bees from exotic pest threats. Advisory Panel member James Kershaw, will reflect on factors that determine the ultimate size of the Australian beekeeping industry.
AgriFutures Australia Program Manager, Research & Innovation, Dr Melanie Bradley, said she is anticipating an exciting and informative event that will generate innovative ideas for the AgriFutures™ Honey Bee & Pollination Program.
“The Australian Bee Congress is an opportunity for program stakeholders, including beekeepers and researchers, to meet, share new knowledge and discuss research opportunities for the program,” said Dr Bradley.
“The honey bee and pollination industry is an established and mature industry that has exciting growth potential. This event is important for raising the industry’s profile and highlighting the relevance of research to the beekeeping community.
“We’re thrilled to be involved and to have so many of our expert researchers presenting at the event.”
As a Gold Partner, AgriFutures Australia will have a trade exhibition stand offering a meeting space, educational resources about the latest program research and what is on the horizon for the honey bee industry.
The AgriFutures™ Honey Bee & Pollination Program supports research, development and extension that will ensure a productive, sustainable and more profitable Australian beekeeping industry and secure the pollination of Australia’s horticultural and agricultural crops.
