![Piece of Honeycomb](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_f6158b1a7bec4287bd9dd1a603ebd0cc~mv2_d_5388_3597_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_122,h_81,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/11062b_f6158b1a7bec4287bd9dd1a603ebd0cc~mv2_d_5388_3597_s_4_2.jpg)
Our Research Progress
We are in a deep discovery phase right now. We don't know exactly what we don't know so we are talking to as many beekeepers, enthusiasts & industry experts as we can.
We are using this page to document our assumptions & current big questions to help guide our conversations. If you can help us solve/de-mystify any of the below - please get in touch.
The Big Questions
These are the ones keeping us awake at night. We have trawled google & quizzed AI but as yet not gotten sufficient evidence that we can consider the question answered. Got an opinion or knowledge to share? Let's talk....yesterday.
![Country Field](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c94817a2e195442880fc26e7b06c993e.jpg/v1/fill/w_102,h_68,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/c94817a2e195442880fc26e7b06c993e.jpg)
Our Assumptions
1 / Native Bees are threatened and/or endangered
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Proof: The research conducted by Flinders University referenced in this article.
2 / Native Bees contribute to pollination in Aus
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Proof: Small but established Tetragonula Carbonaria Native Stingless Bee population used in QLD and NSW as referenced in this article.
3 / Native Bees are a viable alternative to European Honeybees
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Justification: Blue Banded Native Bees can perform buzz poliination & European Honeybees cannot. Buzz pollination is sought after (main perk of Bumblebees). More details here.
5 / Assumptions we need to address:
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We need bees to pollinate crops & produce food (without them we would not be able to produce certain foods)
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Native Bees can feasibly replace European Honey Bees
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Native Bee populations should be increased
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It would make sense to breed Native Bees alongside European Honey Bees
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Consumers aren't aware of the distinction between Native Bees and European Honey Bees
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Feral Bees threaten the continued existence of Native Bees
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The Varroa Mite could wipe out European Honey Bees in Australia
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Continued use of pesticide in farming is a contributing cause to Bee population decline
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Improving hive health would be more effective at increasing hive numbers than adding more breeders
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Improving availability of pollen for bees would be more effective at increasing hive numbers than adding more breeders
![Honeycomb Closeup](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_22fb5668c9ef4e94b69f3e9ecc58e9ba~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_144,h_96,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/11062b_22fb5668c9ef4e94b69f3e9ecc58e9ba~mv2.jpg)
Impact Map - How will our actions make change?
![Impact Map July](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ebfdc8_ad2cfbde0554483698ae9da0fd38653c~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_46,h_26,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Impact%20Map%20July.png)
What are we reading right now?
Right now, it's all about the bees - the world's smallest farmers. Know a good read? Let us know so we can add it to the list.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ebfdc8_bf6a3156264b463fbdfc4066c1bb81d9~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_170,h_223,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/ebfdc8_bf6a3156264b463fbdfc4066c1bb81d9~mv2.jpg)
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![7388.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ebfdc8_e4629fbadcd440e781261eeb670cd58c~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_153,h_222,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/7388.jpg)
![the-australian-beekeeping-manual-3rd-edition-.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ebfdc8_563f7308edc44c7aa8c5deb1605a34be~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_163,h_222,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/the-australian-beekeeping-manual-3rd-edition-.jpg)