Hive + Wellness, the owners of Capilano honey, has warned of a potential honey shortage, after production hit an all time low this season.
The company, which accounts for a significant proportion of the nation’s honey, expects production to decline further in 2020/21 due to drought and bushfire.
A survey of its suppliers found 98 per cent of respondents were affected by the ongoing drought, with some beekeepers reporting production had dropped to zero.
“Australian beekeepers are the forgotten farmers in this drought. Just as livestock farmers have faced challenges in feeding their animals, a lack of flowering trees means beekeepers have struggled to ensure sufficient food for their bees,” Ben McKee, CEO of Hive + Wellness said.
“They are experiencing significant declines in both the population of their hives and in production levels as there is simply not enough nectar for bees to collect. The bees are also affected by water scarcity and the relentless heat.”
Bert Seagrave, a supplier to Hive + Wellness, said. they are facing the worst honey production in his lifetime. “We are working tirelessly just to keep our bees alive,” he said.
