Since the discovery of the destructive Bee parasite the Varroa Mite last week in the Riverland, there’s now further calls for industry support.
The discovery was made during surveillance patrols, and was the first time in history the pest had been seen in South Australia.
Riverland based Shadow Primary Industries Minister, Nicola Centofanti first raised concerns in 2022, warning then that cuts at PIRSA would reduce the department’s ability to manage major crises.
Speaking in recent days, Centofanti stated that “The Government must ensure PIRSA is adequately supported with the depth, scientific expertise and operational capacity needed to meet the challenges ahead”.
Currently several beehives are in the Riverland as part of the Almond pollination season, with several bees and beekeepers travelling from the eastern states.
