Value of honey bee pollination to the Australian economy
Since the mid-1980s, economists have made numerous attempts at estimating the value of honey bee pollination to the Australian economy. The exercise is not straightforward,...
Published: 10 Oct 2013
Author(s): RIRDC
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DownloadAround 65 per cent of agricultural production in Australia depends on pollination by European honeybees.
In Australia, 35 industries are dependent on honeybee pollination for most of their production. Crops vary in how much they rely on or respond to pollination by bees. Some industries, such as almonds, apples, pears and cherries, depend almost totally on bees for fruit and nut production.
The potentially devastating impact of exotic pests such as Varroa mite, which is yet to reach Australia, pose a significant threat to honeybees and our pollination services.