This year’s World Bee Day theme is ‘Bee engaged in pollinator-friendly agriculture’, and members of the public are invited to join the Bring Your Buzz campaign, wearing yellow to local farmers’ markets to highlight the vital role pollinators play in our food production systems.
Australian Farmers’ Markets Association chairperson Jane Adams said there would be festivities to support World Bee Day 2023 at farmers’ markets across the country from Saturday, May 13 to Sunday, May 21.
“Encouraging stallholders and visitors to wear their yellow hats, beanies, scarves and hoodies is a simple, fun way our vibrant farmers’ market network can support healthy food systems and healthy communities,” Ms Adams said.
“We hope to see yellow bags and baskets, dog collars and stall signs all helping to create a buzz and raise awareness.”
Farmers’ markets are the perfect place for non-farmers to embrace this year’s World Bee Day theme, according to Ms Adams.
“Farmers’ markets support sustainable food production by supplying local, seasonal produce,” Ms Adams said.
“Shopping at your local farmers’ market is a great way to support farmers who in turn support bees.”
Wheen Bee Foundation chief executive Fiona Chambers said this year’s World Bee Day theme was a timely reminder for people to actively seek out farmers and agriculture businesses that placed a priority on supporting pollinators and the vital service they provided in putting food on our tables.
“Engaging in pollinator-friendly agriculture means managing the land in a way that helps pollinators thrive,” Ms Chambers said.
“Farmers can plant pollinator-friendly plants to increase places for bees to forage, live and breed, and avoid pesticides that cause harm to bees.
“And there are lots of ways for people in urban areas to get involved as well.
“Anyone can plant a bee-friendly garden or verandah pots, or buy produce from farmers who are dedicated to supporting pollinators.”
For more information on World Bee Day, visit worldbeeday.org.au
To find your nearest Australian Farmers’ Markets Association market, visit farmersmarkets.org.au/find-a-market
