Pollination biosecurity

European honeybees, which are the dominant pollinators of food crops, are under threat in Australia from several exotic species.

CSIRO’s ground breaking research has raised awareness of the biosecurity threats posed to Australia’s pollination services by investigating pests and diseases of honeybees.

Several exotic species pose a significant threat to honeybees in Australia and the whole of the Australian beekeeping industry.

One in every three mouthfuls of food that we consume comes to us through the aid of pollination by honeybees.

CSIRO’s research has helped drive a shift in policy and perception which has led to the recognition of honeybees as Australia’s key pollinator of over A$2 billion dollars of agricultural production, adding to the profitability and viability of key agricultural industries and the communities that depend on them.