Australia’s 2019-20 bushfires destroyed an estimated 15.6 million hectares of native forests. Critical nectar and pollen sources for honey bee colonies have been lost. Our ability to meet the pollination needs of the Australian agriculture industry is now severely compromised as with the ability to meet demand for domestic and export honey.

This short publication provides a snapshot of the number of hives lost in each state because of the bushfires and outlines a 6-point Bushfire Recovery Plan for implementation over the next five years.