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Federated Farmers bee industry group chairman John Hartnell (pictured) applauds the move.
All beekeepers will be now represented by Apiculture New Zealand.
Since 2002, either Federated Farmers' bee industry group or National Beekeepers Association have represented NZ apiarists.
A nine-member ApiNZ board was elected at the beekeeper organisation's annual meeting last week.
Federated Farmers bee industry group chairman John Hartnell applauds the move as great news for the apiculture industry, whose exports are forecast to exceed $300 million this year.
"This new approach brings everyone together, strengthens the voice of the industry to government and promotes research and work in industry best practice.
"With 5000 people engaged in apiculture in NZ there's potential for the industry to be worth $1 billion per year."
Federated Farmers' national president Dr William Rolleston says it's now time for the industry to move forward.
"The industry in NZ has matured to a point where [the unified] body is justified. Federated Farmers is pleased to have helped the industry for 14 years, supporting its transition.
"The bee industry group has done a marvellous job promoting the importance of a strong and healthy bee population.
"Educating our members has been a priority for the group; for example, the Trees for Bees project to enable bees to gather quality pollen and nectar raised awareness of the importance of bees to the primary industry."
Rolleston says Feds hopes many beekeepers will remain members of the organisation.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
Federated Farmers has called on Central Otago District Council (CODC) to drop or vote down a plan to truck sludge from Alexandra and Cromwell to farmland near Lauder, warning it would compound an "outrageous" situation created by a separate council's decision weeks earlier.
Federated Farmers says new legislation replacing the Resource Management Act will cut red tape, unlock investment and help grow New Zealand's export-led economy, after the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill passed their third reading in Parliament yesterday.
Leading figures from the major political parties will be questioned on their primary sector policies at the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton, on 30 September.
New Plymouth-based Manuka honey exporter Egmont Honey has completed its acquisition of Taihape beekeeping business Tweeddale's Honey, with settlement finalised on Friday, 18 September.
National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.
New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
Pāmu has released its FY26 Integrated Annual Report, reporting a Net Operating Profit of $113 million, more than double the $49 million recorded in FY25.
Meat Industry Association data, released alongside the Red Meat Sector conference in Wellington, shows export value climbing across the US, China, UK and Canada.
Applications are set to open for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award, a trans-Tasman award recognised for identifying and fast-tracking talented young leaders in agriculture and agribusiness.
