Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty has visited the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Tocal Agricultural College to meet with Varroa mite emergency response staff and local beekeepers.
“Biosecurity is the number one issue, it presents the most significant threat to our primary industries sector – as well as our economy, environment and communities,” Ms Moriarty said.
“I know that there are many challenges facing the industry. We need to deal with the current biosecurity issues and be prepared for what comes next.
The Minister said she was hopeful that Varroa mite could be eradicated.
“I understand that this is a difficult time for impacted beekeepers and industries who rely on them, but controlling and eradicating this destructive mite is critically important to NSW and Australia.”
Ms Moriarty was recently sworn in as the Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Western NSW, as part of the new NSW Government.
“I am deeply honoured and privileged to be appointed Minister for Agriculture in the NSW Government and I will be getting out and about, hearing from people directly, where they live and work, to ensure the policies and investments by the NSW Government create stronger primary industries,” she said.
“I grew up in Queanbeyan, remain living in regional NSW, and I will be an active voice for our producers within the NSW Government.
“NSW is home to a diverse range of primary industries and our hard-working producers continue to grow the cleanest, greenest, and safest food and fibre in the world.
“I am committed to maximising outcomes for NSW primary industries, the communities they support and the resources they rely on to ensure the sector can reach $30 billion in output by 2030.”
For more information on the Varroa mite emergency response, visit DPI’s website.
