Bruce Christie, Deputy Director General, Biosecurity and Food Safety said beekeeper registration with the DPI is a crucial tool in protecting the beekeeping industry from the many biosecurity risks that exist.

Registration assists in the location of bee hives, communication with beekeepers and spreading of information about biosecurity best practice.

“Beekeepers who register receive educational material including the Bee Agskills guide and regular newsletters as well as notification of outbreaks such as American foulbrood,” Mr Christie said.

“Bees are one of the most important insects on the planet – they pollinate about a third of everything we eat and about one sixth of flowering plants worldwide, their honey contains antibacterial and antiseptic properties and their wax is used in wide range of daily products.

“Bee health is therefore critically important if we are to maintain our food supply and sustain our ecosystems.”

The Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair, a recreational beekeeper himself, kicked off the campaign with a message for his fellow apiarists.

“Honey bees are critically important in maintaining our food supply and ecosystems. It is good news that more and more people in NSW are becoming interested in keeping bees,” he said.

“It's a rewarding and fascinating activity, but remember, if you choose to get involved you have a responsibility to look after your own bees, and everyone else's.

“If you keep honeybees, you must be registered with NSW Department of Primary Industries to ensure industry wide cooperation.”

The campaign is part of increased DPI activity in the apiary industry, including the appointment of two Bee Biosecurity Officers and targeted compliance operations.

New beekeepers are being targeted through supply shops in NSW, and information is being provided at shows and field days and through the DPI’s Bee Biosecurity Officers working directly with beekeepers.