Pollination: Report on Australian pollination service statistics
In 2021, the demand for European honey bee hives by the Top 10 pollination-dependent horticultural industries was 644,000 hives. By 2031, demand is forecast to increase to 952,000 hives (assuming absence of Varroa mite).
Apples and Pears are in the top 10 pollination-dependent horticultural industries in Australia, currently sitting at number 6 in terms of overall industry hive requirements.
This report may be of interest to you as it provides an overview of:
current and projected European honey bee and native stingless bee hive requirements for each industry
average cost per hive (in different industries) and issues that drive pricing
pollination calendar showing when hives are required in different crops across Australia (who you are competing with)
reasons why beekeepers chose not to supply pollination services
biggest issues experienced by growers that use managed hives
how climate events and climate variability impact pollination service demand
research and development priorities.