What’s the buzz?

May 20 marks the seventh annual World Bee Day, and this year’s focus is on the vital role bees play in global food production.

“Most people know bees play a role in food production, but few know the sheer scale of their contribution,” says Wheen Bee Foundation CEO, Fiona Chambers. 

“Here in Australia, at least 53 crops rely to some extent on bees. These include almonds, avocados, apples, berries, stone fruit and carrot, but also oilseeds such as canola, and legumes like clover and lucerne that feed farm livestock.”

So, next time you sit down for dinner, consider how much of your plate is linked to bees!

You can take part in this year’s World Bee Day by joining one of the many events and activities taking place in communities across Australia. This could include joining a webinar, visiting a farmer’s market, taking part in the Waggle Dance challenge, or simply talking to friends and family about the importance of bees.

You can also show support for Australia’s beekeepers by taking part in the Great Bee Morning Tea. Host a morning tea or partake in one, with cakes, cookies and other sweats all made with 100 per cent pure Australian honey.

Also as part of the World Bee Day festivities, The Wheen Bee Foundation has again partnered with the Australian Farmers’ Markets Association for the Bring Your Buzz campaign, which encourages people to wear yellow to their local farmers’ markets and buy food from producers who value the role bees play in their production. Celebrations at farmers’ markets run from Saturday 18 May to Sunday 26 May. 
For more information visit worldbeeday.org.au