Fed: Bees sweeten the nation's fruit and veg industries

AAP General News (Australia)
01-02-2004
Fed: Bees sweeten the nation's fruit and veg industries

By Shane Wright

CANBERRA, Jan 2 AAP - The nation's horticulture industry would suffer a $2 billion
sting if not for the humble bee.

A report for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) has
found that without bees, around 10,000 jobs would disappear from largely rural areas.

And because bees are instrumental in plant pollination, Australians would also have
to import some of their favourite fruit and vegetables, including avocados, cauliflower,
onions and blueberries.

RIRDC found the honeybee …