Honey prices are set to rise as the combined impact of drought, bushfires and climate change is threatening a big drop in this years honey harvest.
A number of beekeepers across two of Australia’s largest states - Queensland and New South Wales, have reported likely poor honey harvests this summer.
And Capilano, Australia’s dominant honey packer, with more than 70% of the market, has said price rises are imminent.
Just when, and by how much prices will rise is uncertain, with Capilano believed to be sitting on three to six months of buffer stocks.
Capilano chief executive, said the coming harvest season is expected to see the lowest levels of honey produced for many years.
In total he said the Australian honey harvest could be as much as 3000 tonnes below an average 10,000-tonne year.
Steve Curnial, Vice President of the NSW Apiarists Association, backed up McKee’s comments.
He told Melbourne radio station 3AW that drought and bushfires mean that the trees are are not flowering.
“Between the drought and trees not flowering, not producing pollen and nectar sources, and bushfires burning out the resources to start with, it’s a difficult time,” he told 3AW’s Ross and John.
“Once the drought breaks it may be 18 months to two years before those trees come back into flower and start producing resources for the bees to forage on.”
“The price should go up,” Mr Curnial said.
Curnial’s comments came before the most recent bout of bushfires across northern Australia.
So the situation will be even worse now.
Indeed reports and pictures of extensive bushfire damage a northern NSW apiaries have already been posted on social media.
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