Varroa Mite Hits SA: Rural Aid Offers Support to Affected Producers
Rural Aid is mobilising vital support for South Australian beekeepers following the detection of the destructive Varroa mite in the Riverland region. The parasitic pest was confirmed for the first time in South Australia on September 4, 2025, in beehives at Pooginook, sending ripples of concern through the state’s agricultural community.
The Varroa mite poses a severe threat to Australia’s honeybee population, with significant implications for crop pollination and food production. Its arrival in South Australia places even greater urgency on the need for robust biosecurity responses and comprehensive support for affected producers.
Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the charity is standing alongside the state’s beekeepers and broader farming community as they face the unfolding threat.
“Bees are our littlest livestock, but they play a massive role in sustaining the health of Australian agriculture,” Mr Warlters said.
“The Varroa mite doesn’t just impact honey production – it threatens the entire pollination process that supports fruit, vegetables, nuts and other crops. Supporting beekeepers means protecting a critical part of our national food supply.”
Rural Aid is urging South Australian primary producers, including apiarists and those in pollination-dependent industries, to reach out for assistance. The charity offers a wide range of free, confidential and practical support services, including:
- Financial assistance
- Counselling and wellbeing check-ins
- Domestic water and water tank deliveries
- Hay donations
- Farm Army job platform
- Educational resources
- Community-building initiatives
Rural Aid supports producers across all sectors of agriculture, including those in lesser known but equally vital industries like apiary, horticulture, viticulture, aquaculture, organic farming, and dairying.
“This outbreak is a reminder that every corner of our agricultural system is interconnected and vulnerable,” Mr Warlters said.
“At Rural Aid, we want all primary producers to know they are not alone. No matter your commodity or farm size, if you’re doing it tough, we’re here to help.”
Registering for Assistance:
Primary producers impacted by the Varroa mite outbreak, or facing hardship for any reason, are encouraged to register with Rural Aid today via www.ruralaid.org.au/services-provided/ or by calling 1300 327 624.
About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading rural charity, committed to supporting farmers and rural communities through good times and tough. Since 2015, Rural Aid has been a vital lifeline in times of hardship, delivering practical assistance such as mental health counselling, hay, drinking water, and community connection initiatives. Now celebrating 10 years of service, the organisation continues to stand shoulder to shoulder with rural Australians, helping them overcome hardship, build resilience, and create stronger, more sustainable futures.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Daniel Brown
Media and Communications Officer
0447 116 757
daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au