BEE All Natural’s Jason Roebig has warned the proposed levy changes would deliver another financial blow to an industry struggling to stay afloat, with some producers potentially facing significant increases in their contributions.
Mr Roebig said a proposed shift towards a percentage-based levy calculated on retail sales could see his contribution rise sharply, eating further into already shrinking profit margins.
“My levy will triple if they base it on my retail sales. I currently pay 5.6 cents, under this proposal it will go to 25 cents,” he said.
The warning comes as Australian beekeepers continue to grapple with the financial and operational fallout of varroa mite, alongside increasing costs associated with maintaining hives, managing colony health and producing honey.
“It costs more to produce honey, which decreases our profit margin,” Mr Roebig said.
“There is no logic in the proposal. No government support to fill the short fall, and as there are less bees and beekeepers, there will be less honey so they will overall have less revenue so they will likely raise the levy again in the future.”
Despite his concerns, Mr Roebig acknowledged the important role industry organisations play in supporting producers, advocating for beekeepers and protecting the future of Australian honey production.
“While we recognise the importance of supporting our industry bodies and the valuable work they undertake, we believe there needs to be a balanced approach, with greater government funding to support both these organisations and the broader beekeeping industry,” he said.
Although the levy changes remain a proposal, Mr Roebig remains sceptical that the concerns of producers will result in substantial revisions.
