The Queensland Government has announced a new $500,000 fund to develop creative solutions to strengthen the state’s defences against the destructive pest, varroa mite (Varroa destructor) and support beekeepers.
The Community Bee Innovation Fund (CBIF) will provide grants of between $5,000 to $50,000 over the next three years to unearth and support innovative projects to prepare and protect Queensland’s beekeeping and pollination-reliant industries.
First detected in NSW in June 2022, varroa mites are tiny parasites that kill beehives and are the biggest pest to honeybees worldwide. They are not found in Queensland but have recently been detected in the NSW border town of Boggabilla.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said strong and responsive biosecurity was critical to the ongoing success of Queensland’s agricultural industries.
“This project empowers beekeepers, researchers and industry groups to develop creative solutions that strengthen our defences against varroa mite,” Minister Perrett said.
“It’s one of the many projects Queensland is working on to protect the sustainability of our beekeeping and pollination industries, which are crucial to our food security and economy.”
The Government grants will fully fund projects that either:
- Deliver innovative varroa mite education and training; or
- Develop innovative varroa mite management tools.
Innovations can involve creating entirely new solutions or applying existing tools in novel ways to combat the threat of varroa mite.
Beekeeping clubs and groups, universities, local governments, industry bodies and agricultural businesses are encouraged to apply.
Beekeepers contribute an estimated $75 million annually in honey production and $2.4 billion in pollination value to Queensland’s economy.
Round 1 of the grant program has opened, with applications closing at 5pm AEST on 24 March 2025.
For more information on the Community Bee Innovation Fund and how to apply, visit Community Bee Innovation Fund | Department of Primary Industries, Queensland.
