• Varroa mite detected in bees at Jubilee Orchard in South Australia
• Bees sourced from Queensland, no failure to comply with entry requirements
• No impact on 2026 almond crop, pollination across orchards strong

Select Harvests Limited has provided an update regarding the detection of varroa mite in bees at its Jubilee Orchard in South Australia. Following the annual pollination of almond orchards, the varroa mite was self-detected by contractors preparing the hives to be moved. The company immediately reported the detection to the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), and the hives have been isolated on site under PIRSA's instruction while awaiting further advice. The bees were sourced from Queensland and supplied by a reputable provider, and the company is not aware of any failure to comply with entry and management requirements. At this stage, the detection of varroa mite has no impact on the South Australian pollination or the expected quantity or quality of the 2026 almond crop, as pollination across the orchards has been strong. The company is not aware of any material financial implications from the detection. Since the arrival of varroa mite in Australia in 2022, Select Harvests and the broader Australian almond industry have been working with its presence in Victoria and New South Wales. The company has commenced the sourcing strategy for bees across all its orchards for the 2027 crop, including the likely geographic expansion of varroa mite. Select Harvests is committed to working with PIRSA and the community to ensure the best possible outcome for the horticultural sector in South Australia.

The company has commenced the sourcing strategy for bees across all its orchards for the 2027 crop, including the likely geographic expansion of varroa mite. Select Harvests is committed to working with authorities and the community to ensure the best possible outcome for the horticultural sector in South Australia.