Honey bees
Honey bees play an essential role in agriculture, not only producing honey and beeswax but also pollinating a vast number of food crops.
Beekeeping is a unique primary industry, depending on native flora for about 80% of its production. Nectar and pollen are produced seasonally and beekeepers must often move their hives large distances to be successful.
NSW DPI's role is to provide support to the apiary industry through the provision of extension officers, research scientists, diagnostic laboratories, beekeeping courses and regulatory services. See Primefact 902 NSW DPI services to beekeepers for more information.
IN THIS SECTION
- Beekeeper registration
Legislation and forms required to register as a beekeeper. - Industry contacts
Details of beekeeping associations, equipment suppliers and DPI staff. - General public and bees
Beekeepers' responsibilities, the rights of the general public, nuisance bee complaints and what to do when bees swarm - Compliance
The NSW Apiaries Act 1985 and subordinate legislation; information on how to comply with the legislation; and regulatory forms. - Management
Beekeepers' responsibilities, management tools, drones and queens, breeding, nutrition, pesticides, bee products, seasonal management and beekeeping equipment. - Pests and diseases
Information on foulbrood, chalkbrood, small hive beetle and other pests and diseases. Reporting requirements and forms. - Pollination
- Useful links
What's new
)Honey Bee and Pollination Continuity Strategy
The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is developing a strategy for enhancing honey bee and pollination continuity in the future event of a major honey bee pest or disease in Australia. They would appreciate your feedback on the strategy. Visit their website for more information.
PROfarm courses
- Beginning in bees
- Beekeeping as a business
- Queen bee breeding
- Pests and diseases of honey bees
- more courses...
Software
- Honey Money
Software to assist beekeepers - MiniHoneyMoney
Monitors the cost of production and profitability
Laboratory testing services
A range of diagnostic tests are offered to beekeepers at the regional veterinary laboratories.
See also: Submitting samples for disease diagnosis