South Australian crowdfunds 1000 beehives to plug pollination gap
Danielle Munn is crowdfunding 1000 beehives to connect with farmers as a tiny parasite threatens Australia's pollination capacity.
The Varroa mite arrived in Australia in 2022 and has spread across South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. It feeds on honeybees and carries fatal diseases that wipe out entire hives.
A 2026 report estimates the mite will cause a 60 per cent decline in commercial beehives. This creates a shortage of 290,000 hives when pollination is most needed in August.
Almond growers rely entirely on commercial hives for pollination. Over four years, hive prices have risen 50 per cent.
Munn's 1000 Hives project connects beekeepers with growers. It funds managed hives at no cost to farmers.
She has established 40 hives at an apple orchard in Lenswood. Macquarie University is testing a natural fungus that kills Varroa mites without harming bees.
- 1000
- Hives targeted
- 60 per cent
- Hive decline predicted
- 290,000 hives
- Shortfall across four states
- 50 per cent
- Price rise in four years
Why it mattersWithout more hives, the cost and scarcity of pollination could hit crop-dependent farmers and drive up fruit and vegetable prices.
AustraliaAustralian almond, apple and fruit growers face mounting pressure as hive shortages and higher costs squeeze production across SA, Victoria, NSW and Queensland.
Corroborated bythenightly.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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