Grower-owned body Horticulture Innovation Australia (Hort Innovation) has established an investment fund for pollination research.
The fund will focus on effective and alternative pollinators as well as safeguarding bee health to increase crop quality and yields.
“Pollination – particularly declining numbers of European Honey Bees – is fast becoming a global challenge,” said John Lloyd, CEO of Hort Innovation. “Bees pollinate a large percentage of Australian crops so it is vital we dedicate more resources into their health.”
Lloyd said bees are only one part of the picture, though, with Hort Innovation to work alongside the Australian government, research institutions and biosecurity agencies to address to factors that are affecting pollination, including the Varroa Destructor mite.
“It is crucial that we explore and strengthen alternative pollinators through this new research fund – such as self-pollinating varieties of plants, alternative insects, or automatic or robotic aids,” Lloyd said. “The aim is to safeguard the future of the nation’s horticulture products for years to come.”
The Australian government is funding the multiple research projects, with Hort Innovation now seeking co-investors for the pollination research fund.
