The honey bee industry plays a pivotal role in Australian agriculture. The industry is responsible for honey production, and paid pollination services that benefits other agricultural industries. Research by AgriFutures Australia shows the honey bee industry comprises of approximately 1,800 commercial beekeepers who produce 30,000 tonnes of honey each year, and provide an overwhelming majority of the 530,000 hives used for paid pollination services. Access to native floral resources on private and public lands for commercial beekeepers is essential for honey production and building hive strength for provision of pollination services. However, hazard reduction burns of floral resources pose a threat to hives, the ability of floral resources to support hives, and utilisation of floral resources to produce honey.
This project will provide AgriFutures Australia with a detailed literature review of scientific studies conducted on the intensity and frequency of hazard reduction burns, and its impact on floral resources. This will include a review of these effects on honey bees, honey production and provision of pollination services. Extrapolation would be considered appropriate, if required, but must maintain scientific rigour. Knowledge gaps identified by the literature review may be considered to prioritise future research direction.
Applicants may consider the need for a consortium approach to address all aspects of the project and are encouraged to thoroughly review the RD&E Plan prior to submitting an application to ensure submissions align with the priorities for the Program detailed in the AgriFutures Honey Bee & Pollination Strategic RD&E Plan (2020-2025).
