THREE South Australian apiarists have been offered sites within the Kuitpo Forest Reserve to each house up to 120 beehives, in a bid to allow beekeepers access to public land in order to address growing pollination demands across the state.
Aaron Woolston, Meningie, Les Crane, Macclesfield, and Simon Peacock Mypolonga are the successful beekeepers to be involved in the pilot program.
Primary industries minister, Tim Whetstone, said a strong apiary industry was vital for the state's horticulture and agriculture industries.
"The buzz of activity we expect in the Kuitpo Forest Reserve will help address the further 20,000 hives required to meet pollination demand in the South Australian almond industry," Mr Whetstone said.
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"The pilot program will also help an industry which was devastated by the summer's bushfires with more than 2,000 hives lost across the state."
The average economic value of honeybees as pollinators in SA is worth about $1.7 billion.
Mr Whetstone said the natural environment of the Kuitpo Forest Reserve was the first step in identifying further suitable locations for beehives on public land.
The hives are expected to be moved to the Kuitpo a bit later in the year, likely during September or October, with the three beekeepers in the process of determining site specific requirements, and licence arrangements, with assistance from ForestrySA.
