Why Is Honey Not Allowed In New Zealand?
New Zealand is built for beekeeping, with more than 11,000 registered beekeepers and 2000 tons of honey produced each year. It is a growing industry in the country, yet surprisingly, honey is not allowed to be exported from New Zealand.
It is because of the Exotic Hive Beetle. The Exotic Hive Beetle (EHBE) is an invasive species, not native to NZ and it has recently caused huge destruction in honey production farms in Ngahere, Southland. All honey produced from the affected bees has been destroyed/burnt due to the EHBE infestation. That’s why no honey can be exported from New Zealand.
To protect the bees and the honey industry in New Zealand, the ministry of primary industries has enforced a total ban on honey exports. Any honey bee products (including honey) cannot be sent to other countries until the EHBE is controlled. This also means that honey can only be distributed within New Zealand.
On top of the strict regulations, the ministry of primary industries also works on various preventative measures to control the EHBE. According to the Minister of Primary Industries Hon Damien O’Connor, “We’re determined to protect the honey industry. We are responding with stringent control measures to protect New Zealand beekeepers and honey products from the Exotic Hive Beetle, which is capable of causing great damage to hive health and honey stability. Our response has included increased enforcement, education, awareness, destruction and banning of the movement of bee products”.
Apart from the control measures taken by the ministry of primary industries, beekeepers are also contributing to stopping the spread of the EHBE by adopting beekeeping best practices. This includes wearing protective clothing while inspecting hives, regular monitoring of hives for insect pests, and early detection and isolation of attacked hives.
It is now more important than ever to protect the bees and honey production industry in New Zealand as the EHBE can cause huge damages to the ecosystem and the reputation of the NZ honey industry.
Honey Bee Products for Domestic Use
Honey bees are vital to food production and agricultural production all around the world. In New Zealand, bees are involved in the pollination of many food crops such as kiwifruit, and the production of honey is an important part of the agricultural industry. While New Zealand is not able to export honey due to the EHBE, domestic use of honey bee products is still prevalent.
In New Zealand, honey bee products are used in agriculture, horticulture, and a range of food and beverage production. For example, local honey is used in brewing beer and cider, while beeswax is used in candle making. Honey bee products are also widely used in cosmetics and health products, such as soaps, shampoos, and lotions.
Honey produces in New Zealand are still operating despite the challenges posed by the EHBE. Local businesses and beekeepers are doing their best to ensure that quality and safe honey bee products can still be produced for domestic use.
In addition, the government has been providing support to domestic honey bee product producers. For example, the Rural Assistance Scheme (RAS) was introduced to help beekeepers who have been affected by the Exotic Hive Beetle outbreak. The scheme will provide financial support to beekeepers during this challenging time.
Required Precautions for Beekeepers
Beekeeping is a delicate occupation and to ensure the safety of honey bees in New Zealand it is necessary that beekeepers practice safety protocols. All beekeepers should exercise due caution when capturing, transporting and inspecting bees, in order to prevent the spread of the EHBE and to protect the integrity of the New Zealand honey industry.
Beekeepers are advised to wear protective clothing and to always be on the lookout for signs of the EHBE. If suspected colonies are found, beekeepers should not transfer bees between the affected hives and other bee colonies. Beekeepers should also observe the regular handling and inspection of bees and take swift action when pests and diseases are detected.
Beekeepers should also practice good hygiene when handling bees and honey bee products. Beekeepers should wash their hands thoroughly after contact with bees and any equipment that has been used for handling bees. Bee boxes should be inspected for signs of EHBE and any equipment or tools used for beekeeping should be properly cleaned and disinfected.
Finally, beekeepers are strongly encouraged to keep up to date with the latest EHBE regulations and to report any suspect cases as soon as possible.
Risks of Not Prohibiting Honey Exports
If the ban on honey exports is not in place, then New Zealand will be risking the spread of the EHBE to other countries, which will result in devastating consequences on the global bee population.
The EHBE has already caused significant damage to the bee population and honey industry in New Zealand and the threat of the beetle spreading to other parts of the world should not be taken lightly. If honey exports are permitted, there is a real risk of the EHBE spreading to other parts of the world, which will impact beekeepers in other countries and potentially lead to further destruction of the local bee populations and honey production.
For this reason, the ban on honey exports in New Zealand is essential to protect the global bee population and the honey industry in the country.
The Benefits of Beekeeping in New Zealand
Despite the challenges posed by the EHBE, there are still several benefits to beekeeping in New Zealand. The honey production industry is a major contributor to the economy of the country, as more than 2000 tonnes of honey are produced each year.
Honey is also an important component of the food and beverage industry in New Zealand, as it is used in a range of products including beer, cider, and other beverages. In addition, beeswax and propolis are also used in a range of health and beauty products, such as soaps, lotions, creams, and ointments.
Lastly, beekeeping also has a positive environmental impact in New Zealand. Honey bees are essential for the pollination of many of the country’s food crops, such as kiwifruit, apples, and avocados. Without the presence of bees, many of the crops that New Zealand relies on for food production would be in danger.
Public Awareness of Exotic Hive Beetle
Because of the significant threat posed by the EHBE, it is important that the public are aware of this insect. Through public education and awareness campaigns, the ministry of primary industries aims to raise public awareness of the risks posed by the beetle and the importance of preventing its spread.
The ministry has been educating the public on the signs of the EHBE, as well as the preventative measures that can be taken to protect the health of bee populations in New Zealand. Through seminars, educational videos, and other public awareness materials, the ministry of primary industries is working to ensure that the public is aware of the risks posed by the beetle and the importance of beekeeping safety.
The public also has a role to play in helping to protect the bee population in New Zealand. All beekeepers in New Zealand should be familiar with the EHBE and its effects on honey bee populations in New Zealand, and should follow the preventative measures outlined by the ministry of primary industries.
Conclusion
New Zealand is a country that is passionate about beekeeping and the honey industry is a major part of the country’s economy, yet honey is not allowed to be exported from New Zealand due to the Exotic Hive Beetle.
The government has taken measures to control the EHBE, and the ban on honey exports is an essential part of protecting the bees and the honey industry in New Zealand. Beekeepers also play an important role in preventing the spread of the EHBE and should practice caution when capturing and handling bees.
Lastly, it is important that the general public are aware of the risk posed by the EHBE and the precautions that can be taken to protect the bee population in New Zealand.
