Agriculture Minister David Carter says the nation’s beekeepers should start planning ahead in case Australian honey is allowed into New Zealand.


Speaking at the recent National Beekeepers Association annual conference in Nelson, Carter said research is underway to find out whether there is any scientific evidence which would prevent honey imports from across the Tasman.
“I have no idea what the outcome of this work will be. However, you may wish to give some thought to the different possible outcomes. One possibility is that the additional research will show that Australian honey imports can be successfully managed or that the diseases in question are already here.”


If Australian honey is allowed in the New Zealand industry will need a strategy to compete on the domestic market – it would be unwise for the industry to put off any planning until the results are in.


Responding to criticism around border staff cuts and budget constraints, Carter says biosecurity is the most important portfolio he holds and claims the Government is trying to reduce its funding are false.


He says the bee industry has generally done well and few people would have thought that despite all the problems it faced there would be a record 375,000 registered hives.


But it still has a way to go.


“While the testing procedures for manuka honey have become more credible, the industry still needs to ensure that claims on the label match up what’s in the jar.


“I don’t have a ready-made solution for this problem other than to warn you that a small number of rogue operators could damage the reputation of your industry.


“Species of plants closely related to manuka are found in many parts of Australia and their beekeepers have seen the impact manuka has had on the New Zealand honey industry.”


He says the New Zealand industry needs to monitor what’s happening elsewhere in the world to keep ahead of rival producers and at present no organisation is doing this.