The Queensland honey bee industry contributes more than $2.89b to the Queensland economy each year. Much of the economic contribution is through the increasing demand for honey beehives that provide critical pollination to Queensland’s agricultural sector. Queensland beekeepers currently provide honey bees for professional pollination services to the Australian almond, avocado, apple, berry, cherry, macadamia, melon, pear and pumpkin industries just to name a few.

The Queensland honey bee industry is also well known for producing some of Australia’s finest honey. Unique honey varieties such as yellow box, ironbark, river red gum, blue gum and yapunyah are all well known products proudly produced by our hard-working bees under the care of their beekeepers.

Over 70% of the honey produced in Queensland is derived through continuation of access to Queensland’s Native Forests. Professional beekeepers access apiary sites in National Parks, State Forests and other Timber Reserves through a dedicated permit system. This access to floral resources not only allows our bees to produce some of the world’s finest honey but provides a safe haven for short-stays that allows beekeepers to build strong healthy bees. Continuation of access ultimately underpins essential pollination services for Australian agriculture and the nation’s food security.