Benefits
There are many benefits that can be derived by becoming a member of the South Australian Apiarists’ Association.
SAAA Membership Benefits
With the ever-increasing interest in the Honey Bee and Pollination Industries, now is the time for beekeepers to get together and exchange knowledge and ideas as to where they, as individuals, and the industry, in general, are headed.
As a member, you may like to attend local branch meetings and discuss personally relevant issues and/or become more involved at a strategic level and have a say in the range of policies affecting the Apiary Industry as a whole.
The South Australian Apiarists’ Association (SAAA) represents South Australian commercial honey producers, pollinators, queen breeders and recreational beekeepers. It is recognised as a key industry association in South Australia and consults with government on a regular basis. The SAAA is a member body of the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC) which advocates for all beekeepers and the industry as a whole at a federal level and has two delegates on AHBIC who represent the specific interests and issues of South Australian apiarists.
The SAAA supports and encourages research through proactively supporting local and interstate research projects. The SAAA initiates and actively advises on government policies designed to protect and promote the industry in South Australia. It also has input into the goals and directions of PIRSA biosecurity staff, through the Apiary Alliance SA of which the SAAA is an active member.
SAAA attends to Native Title matters for the Apiary Industry of South Australia and liaises with the Department of Environment and Water, Forestry SA and SA Water regarding access to National Parks and Crown Land sites. The SAAA has also been involved in the development of the National Bee Pest Surveillance Program and has a strong involvement in Biosecurity. It promotes food safety within the industry via the industry’s Quality Assurance program – B-Qual.
The SAAA has formed strong partnerships with other industries within the agricultural sector including the Almond, Apple & Pear and Lucerne industries.
The SAAA holds an annual conference giving all members a chance to have their say in the running of the Association and access to guest speakers relevant to the industry. We organise Field Days, and education and training opportunities e.g. Queen Breeding, where members can learn and share skills, ideas and knowledge, and build their social and professional networks. The SAAA also seeks external grant funding from state and federal government agencies and bodies to progress the goals and objectives of the Association.
Membership of the SAAA entitles you to access the annual Conferences, Field Days and other education and training programs at a reduced cost or for free. You also receive a copy of our industry magazine The Buzz, up to four times per year. This high quality magazine is designed to keep you in touch with up-to-date information on the work of the SAAA, industry issues and initiatives, learning opportunities and the latest industry research.
The vision of the SAAA is to be a collective voice, promoting cooperation among beekeepers, improving knowledge and skills, and developing the profitability of beekeeping enterprises.