Western Australia Honey industry buzzing over ‘explosion’ in beekeeping numbers
A few years ago, Julie Dinsdale had a desk job in corporate IT, a far cry from her life today, running a commercial beekeeping business that exports honey to markets around the world.
Key points:
- Registered beekeeper numbers have ‘exploded’ in Western Australia by 688 per cent in the past decade
- The Bee Industry Council of WA says the increase is good for food production
- Newcomers are being asked to ensure they are educated about biosecurity risks
Ms. Dinsdale is one of thousands of West Australians drawn to beekeeping in recent years, resulting in a 688 per cent increase in registered beekeepers since 2011.
“I left [the job] after 20 years and decided it was time to see what else I could do and the bees took a natural course for me,” she said.
“They’re fascinating, good for the environment, help us to slow down and have an appreciation of our footprint on this earth.
“It’s been an interesting journey. A lot the skills I learnt in the corporate world certainly come into play now … giving confidence to my husband and I in growing this business.”
Community buzz
WA Apiarists’ Society president Stephen Boylen said recreational beekeepers accounted for a large share of new entrants.
He said grassroots apiarist hubs have emerged as the backyard beekeeping community has grown, including 15 chapters of the ‘Bee Buddy Network’ in Perth and South West WA.
“Small groups meet and sit and talk bees,” he said. “There’s so much to learn, tips and techniques that people share.
“Experienced and inexperienced keepers swap stories and it creates an environment where people [who] don’t have bees but are thinking about it can come and ask questions.”
Biosecurity must remain a priority
DPIRD biosecurity project officer James Sheehan said beekeepers — both professional and amateur — should register their bees to support the state’s biosecurity
“While beekeeping is a rewarding hobby and profession, without the proper and regular care, poor beekeeping practice can lead to breaches to our biosecurity status, loss of colonies and serious impacts on other beekeepers and wild bee populations,” he said.
“We encourage all new beekeepers to take the time to find a mentor, undertake training and become familiar with the various requirements for keeping bees in WA.”
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Honey industry buzzing over ‘explosion’ in beekeeping numbers – ABC News
