With Varroa destructor now permanently established in Australia, pollination reliability and managed hive availability have become structural operational risks for many farming enterprises. Ongoing mortality pressures on European honeybee populations are increasing production uncertainty, input costs, and long-term vulnerability across pollination-dependent crops.

The Nomia Program is a proactive risk-mitigation initiative designed to strengthen Australia’s sovereign pollination capability. It enables farmers to establish native, Varroa-resilient pollination habitat directly on their own land, reducing exposure to vulnerable managed hive supply chains and contributing to long-term agricultural stability.

The program does not guarantee improved crop yields, nor does it seek to replace existing pollination systems. Rather, it provides a structured diversification strategy building additional pollination capacity using native Australian bee species whose biology does not support Varroa reproduction. In this context, Nomia is positioned as resilience infrastructure: a measured, on-farm response to sustained biosecurity pressure and a practical step toward safeguarding national agricultural productivity in the Varroa era.

Pollination Impact (Research Context)

Research indicates potential yield improvements of up to:

• Up to 24% in Canola
• Up to 28% in Cotton
• Up to 38% in Nuts and Fruit crops

Actual outcomes vary by region, season, and management.

Participation Requirements

1. Provide confidential crop yield data (3–5 years).
2. Allocate approximately 2.5–5% of cropping land as distributed pollination habitat.
3. Protect nesting zones from soil disturbance, harmful chemicals, compaction, and waterlogging.

Implementation Support

If you do not have the equipment or time to prepare nesting habitat, Nomia may be able to assist.

Government grant programs may also be available to assist with eligible establishment costs, subject to criteria