Development of the Honey Bee and Pollination Strategic RD&E Plan (2026-2030)

Summary

The Australian Honey Bee industry produces around 37,000 tonnes of honey annually, with 20,000 tonnes levied. Pollination services provided by beekeepers contribute significantly to agriculture, with an estimated $12.9 billion worth of crops relying on honey bee pollination. The industry faces unique challenges, including exposure to external agricultural shocks, high biosecurity risks, and environmental pressures such as climate change.

The Honey Bee and Pollination Strategic RD&E plan is developed by AgriFutures Australia to guide research investment and proposal development. It helps to ensure funding allocation to projects is industry driven and meaningful for levy payers. The current AgriFutures Honey Bee and Pollination Strategic RD&E Plan is nearing the end of its life, AgriFutures require a new plan for 2026-2030 to be developed. The plan should consider industry challenges, opportunities and balance productivity, profitability and sustainability. Ideally, it will guide investment that aligns with industry needs and drives long-term benefits.

We understand AgriFutures is seeking an independent, suitably qualified consultancy to undertake one or both of the following:
• Facilitate the scenario planning workshops and summarising the findings
• Develop and write the Honey Bee 2026-2030 RD&E Plan

The scope of work is to include the requirements as per the RFP and outlined in Table 1 below. Marsden Jacob are proposing to undertake both of the two tasks because there are efficiencies to facilitating the scenario planning and developing the plan.

Program

Evaluation

Research Organisation

Marsden Jacob Associates Pty Ltd