“Buy a Bee” to help devastated beekeepers

AUSTRALIA’S littlest livestock, its precious European honey bees, are under siege from the hive-destroying Varroa mite.

The parasite was first detected in hives at the Port of Newcastle but has quickly spread to multiple locations across New South Wales.

Rural Aid have launched the Buy a Bee fundraising campaign with the unequivocal support of the industry’s peak body, the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council.
Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the situation is volatile and distressing for beekeepers across the country.

“Beekeepers are in an awful state right now as they anxiously wait for news on how far the Varroa destructor mite has spread,” Mr Warlters said.

Rural Aid is offering beekeepers and their families free counselling through its nation-wide team of qualified counsellors.

Rural Aid is also supporting its affected beekeepers with financial assistance in the form of $500 pre-paid Visa cards.

Donations can be made at ruralaid.org.au/hiveaid/

Beekeepers who aren’t already registered with Rural Aid are encouraged to do so at faa.ruralaid.org.au/