For the past 42 years, Dave Mumford has been taking his hives to selected sites along the Murrumbidgee River.
“But now they are at risk because of the increasing use of Fripinol,” the second generation apiarist said.
Increasing areas of irrigated summer crops, particularly cotton, are encroaching on traditional sources of pollen and nectar, according to Dave Mumford.
Mr Mumford is the president of the NSW Apiarists Association Riverina branch, and along with his father, he pioneered paid commercial pollination in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area.
Mr Mumford said a looming problem for beekeepers is the rise of cotton, especially close to River Redgums, a premium source of honey.
“The River Redgum is recognised as one of the major honey and pollen producing eucalypt trees which makes Australian honey so unique and in demand locally and around the world,” he said.
“When the Redgum flowers, there could be over 100,000 hives in the same area as cotton and other summer crops are grown.”
Bees are very susceptible to all sprays, but especially those insecticides containing Fripinol, which have 28-day residual life.
Mr Mumford said the bee industry would like to see a ban on Fripinol-based insecticides due to their catastrophic effect on bees.
“The problem arises when farmers spray insects affecting their crops, particularly cotton, when the Redgum trees are flowering from November to January,” he said.
“We have been using the trees with no adverse problems because not a lot of insecticide was used before cotton was grown.”
Mr Mumford said beekeepers asked all farmers, especially cotton growers be mindful of bees when spraying.
“The cotton farmers want others to be vigilant in their use of chemicals which harm cotton. We ask they also be considerate of other farmers.”
Mr Mumford is concerned about the effect from the cotton industry and the impact bees have on other crops.
“Beekeepers have contracted to farmers, pollinating crops such as pumpkins and watermelons,” he said.
“The farmers have paid for the professional service, and the beekeepers cannot move their hives because they are contracted to do the job.
“It is in the best interest of all farmers to be mindful of any spray regime as all farmers need to work together. We respect all farmers have the right to farm.”
