Value of honey bee pollination to the Australian economy
Since the mid-1980s, economists have made numerous attempts at estimating the value of honey bee pollination to the Australian economy. The exercise is not straightforward,...
6 pages
Published: 21 Jun 2023
Author(s): Jamie Ayton, Leanne Groves
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DownloadSeveral factors make Australian honey unique. Australia has a wide variety of indigenous flora, including more than 700 species of eucalyptus, which contribute to the composition of honey. The diverse landscapes in which honey is produced in Australia, including dry inland areas, coastal regions and tropical regions, also impact the product, as does the availability and abundance of floral sources in those areas and the climatic conditions as the honey ripens.
This project investigated the composition of Australian honey following collection and analysis of more than 280 samples provided by beekeepers over the 2021-2023 harvest seasons. Eight honey components were analysed, with the mean and range of values reported for each component. Data was also separated into production area (state) to determine whether there are composition differences based on the general location of production.
Data from this project lays the foundation for the characterisation of Australian honey based on its composition. Industry leaders will be able to use this information to inform decisions regarding the marketability, sustainability and profitability of the Australian honey industry.