Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) officers and local beekeepers will swarm Perth’s Murray Street Mall on Wednesday 20 May to celebrate World Bee Day and shine a light on our tiny but mighty pollinators.
An interactive display will offer insights into beekeeping, an overview of styles of honey produced in Western Australia, tips for creating a bee friendly garden and the opportunity to connect with local beekeepers.
Visitors will also be able to taste honeys such as jarrah, karri and marri and purchase these styles of honey.
DPIRD principal agribusiness development consultant Gerard Leddin said World Bee Day was a day to focus on the important role that bees play for our environment and our food security.
“DPIRD is once again partnering with the Bee Industry Council of WA (BICWA) and the Agricultural Produce Commission (Beekeeper Producers Committee) to host an information display in the Murray Street Mall,” Mr Leddin said.
“Thanks to WA’s unique jarrah forests, our beekeepers and their hard-working bees produce the much-loved jarrah honey.
“This premium honey is exclusive to our State and its distinct flavour profile is gaining recognition in global markets.”
The display will also feature biosecurity information to help prevent the introduction or spread of exotic and damaging bee pests and diseases, with WA remaining one of the few places in the world still free of the destructive bee pest, varroa mite.
“Regular hive inspections and reporting by all beekeepers is vital for early detection, preventing spread and safeguarding our valuable agricultural and horticultural industries,” Mr Leddin.
“You can support these efforts by downloading the free MyPestGuide™ app on your phone or tablet. The app makes it easy to report biosecurity concerns directly to DPIRD and assist in protecting our bees.”
BICWA deputy chair Mikey Cernotta said for those who could not make it to the Murray Street Mall on World Bee Day, there were several other ways to celebrate the day.
“Purchase some local honey from your local beekeeper, plant bee friendly plants in your garden, try a recipe using premium WA honey or host a morning tea showcasing food made with local honey,” Mr Cernotta said.
“To support our local industry always check the label to ensure the honey is produced right here in WA.
“If it’s local honey, you know you are getting some of the best honey in the world and more importantly you are supporting our local beekeepers.”
The World Bee Day display will feature at the Murray Street Mall on Wednesday 20 May from 8am. For more information on World Bee Day, go to www.worldbeeday.org.au
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