Cross-pollination is a crucial requirement for many cherry varieties. Ensuring sufficient pollinators are present at the right time during the spring bloom is key to successful fruit production, giving better fruit size and quality.
European honeybees (EHB) are the most effective pollinator in Australia, they forage primarily for pollen and nectar and have hairy bodies that transport pollen well. There are also around 2,000 species of native bees in Australia, however not all are present in every region, and most lack the ability to forage in the lower temperatures that EHB can tolerate.
Most cherry cultivars are self-incompatible and require pollination from another compatible tree flowering at the same time. Some varieties are self-fertile, meaning they can produce fruit using their own pollen, but pollinators such as EHB still improve fruit size and quality even in these varieties.
The cherry flower is particularly attractive to bees as it contains both pollen and nectar, and cherry trees pollinated by honeybees have proven to produce much larger yields, highlighting just how important they are.
The Bee Aware website has further information on cherry pollination.
A European honeybee pollinating a cherry flower. Photo source: Kathy Keatley Garvey, UC Davis Department of Entomology.
Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is a tiny red-brown mite, native to Asia, which externally parasitises EHB. It mainly feeds and reproduces on bee larvae and pupae in the developing brood, causing malformation of emerging bees and weakening of adults. It can also transmit numerous viruses, including deformed wing virus which can affect native bee species.
Varroa destructor was first detected in Australia in 2022, in sentinel hives near the Port of Newcastle, New South Wales. An official investigation into the mite's origins found no clear source for the incursion, though genetic testing indicated the mites present in Australia originated from North America. Since its introduction, it has spread to Queensland, Victoria, ACT and South Australia.
Bees showing signs of chemical resistance were first reported in New South Wales in late 2025, and confirmed resistant to pyrethroid treatments in 2026. Pyrethroid resistance has also been reported in mites in Queensland, Victoria and South Australia, increasing the complexity of managing varroa in hives.
Australia is thought to be the last major horticulture producing country to get varroa mite, having been accidentally introduced to New Zealand (2000), South Africa (1997), Chile (1992), the United States of America (1987) and mainland Europe (1971).
There has been a noticeable impact on EHB since varroa arrived in Australia. Feral honeybee populations have decreased, as has the amount of readily available commercial hives for pollination, due to the increased management effort hives now require.
Varroa mite attached to the back of a European honeybee.
Location of varroa mite, correct as of September 2026.
Industry Report
Pollination Security Status Report 2026
Modelling by the Wheen Bee Foundation estimates a shortage of 290,000 hives at peak pollination in August. Cherries aren't currently listed as at risk, but the possibility of future shortages remains, and could grow with increased miticide resistance and agricultural production.
Many growers have previously relied on feral honeybees for pollination, which is no longer a guaranteed option. Commercial pollination services are becoming a necessity to ensure fruit size and quality isn't compromised, particularly for export markets.
In an ever-changing pollination landscape, it's important for growers to:
✓Understand your crop's pollination requirements
✓Know estimated hive demand and booking timeframes
✓Ask questions when engaging a pollination provider
✓Confirm hive availability ahead of flowering
✓Budget for pollination services and cost drivers
✓Confirm pollination contracts and expectations
✓Know how to prepare your orchard, including when not to spray
Growers that require commercial pollination services are advised to secure these early and make formal pollination agreements with their beekeepers.
A formal pollination agreement is a legally binding document signed by the grower and pollination service provider. It is recommended to seek legal advice for such an agreement. It protects all parties and helps eliminate misunderstandings, and locking one in early means hives are more likely to be guaranteed when you need them.
Although agreements may differ, they could cover:
✓Names and addresses of the parties concerned
✓Location of the crop
✓Number and strength of colonies hired
✓Timing for delivery of hives
✓Distribution of hives throughout the crop
✓Notice required before shifting hives in and out
✓Rental fees and terms of payment
✓Permission for an independent hive quality audit
✓An arbitrator in the event of a dispute
✓Protection of hives from pesticides while in the crop
✓Witness to the signing of the agreement
The Bee Aware website provides further guidance for formal pollination agreements.
Promoting alternative pollinators in an orchard can lessen dependence on commercial pollinators, though they're unlikely to entirely replace EHB. Common alternative pollinators include native bees, hoverflies and wasps, though prevalence differs by region, so it's worth understanding which species are effective pollinators where you are.
In Tasmania, the introduced bumblebee Bombus terrestris has proven to be an effective pollinator. As it's an introduced pest, it cannot be commercialised as a pollinator in the state under current legislation.
Native hoverflies are known to assist with pollination. Photo credit: Gail Hampshire, CC 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
Free Resource
Powerful Pollinators Planting Guides
Free, region-specific guides from the Wheen Bee Foundation covering 37 regions across Australia, with advice for attracting pollinators, suitable plant species, and how each pollinator helps your crop. Download by entering your postcode.
Director
Coming Soon
Director
Tony Hannaford is a cherry grower from South Australia, producing based predominantly in the Torrens Valley of the Adelaide Hills.
Tony’s family have a long history of orcharding. Tony introduced cherries in 1985 and now has multiple varieties spanning a long season with fruit delivered across Australia and the globe. This is all supported by the latest technology in the packing shed.
Tony has long supported and been active for the cherry industry – having also served on the Cherry Industry Strategic Investment Advisory Panel.
Director
Nic Hansen is a fourth-generation cherry grower based in Southern Tasmania and brings deep grower knowledge and long-standing industry involvement to the CGA Board.
Nic grows sweet cherries at Old Beach and is part of Hansen Orchards, one of Tasmania’s largest cherry growing businesses. He has previously represented Tasmania as the State Director on the CGA Board and has served on the HIA Cherry SIAP, contributing to national industry planning and decision-making.
Nic is currently serving his second term as President of Fruit Growers Tasmania. He brings a strong grower perspective, practical experience, and a commitment to effective industry leadership, supporting CGA’s role as the national peak body for Australian cherry growers.
Honorary Treasurer
Grant Piggott has been Chief Executive Officer of Fruit Producers SA, the grower association for cherries in South Australia since 2023 and served as its representative on the Cherry Growers Australia Board from June 2024.
He brings significant experience in finance, strategy and commercial management. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant, a member of Australian Institute of Company Directors and has served for 15 years as an elected member in Local Government.
Grant treasures his childhood on a wheat sheep farm in the Upper North of South Australia, still owned by his family. He has maintained links to primary production for almost 30 years of his working career, primarily through his senior management role at the Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of SA.
In his short tenure as industry representative, he has developed a passion for the successful growing and marketing of quality cherries. Grant is convinced of the deserved glamour status of cherries – healthy, photogenic, delicious, easy to eat and inextricably associated with the joy of Summer and Christmas.
Following his involvement as part of the team which guided the change of Cherry Growers Australia to a company limited by guarantee in May 2025, Grant was invited to serve as a Director on the Board in September 2025 and was appointed Treasurer.
Director
Andrew Fairley bio coming soon
Director
Fiona has been an active participant in the cherry industry for 25 years. She was President of NSW Cherry Growers in the past and has served on the cherry Strategic Investment Advisory Panel (SIAP) for past 5 years.
Fiona is currently a board member of Apple & Pear Aust Ltd (APAL) and the FAR (finance, audit and risk) committee for APAL. APAL manage domestic and international brands of produce including Pink Lady® apples. APAL is also the PIB for the 400 plus growers of Australia.
Fiona manages the business activities of BiteRiot, reporting to a board each month. She brings a wealth of experience across corporate governance & strategic planning, finance, business and marketing to the CGA board.
Deputy Chair
Greg Perry brings extensive leadership experience across the cherry industry, infrastructure, and project management, with a strong focus on governance, strategy, and commercial oversight.
Raised in the cherry industry, Greg has a deep understanding of production challenges and the importance of long-term industry sustainability. He is the Managing Director of a project management consultancy, delivering complex infrastructure, development, and operational programs across multiple sectors.
Greg has held senior leadership and board-level roles in both industry and government-aligned organisations, including service on the NSW Cherry Growers Association board and advisory roles supporting strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and investment decision-making. His experience spans financial oversight, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and guiding organisations through periods of structural change.
Greg brings a practical, solutions-focused approach to the CGA Board, with a strong commitment to governance integrity, member representation, and supporting the continued growth and resilience of the Australian cherry industry.
Chair
I grew up on our family farm in Wandin and picked cherries at an early age.
I loved the camaraderie of working with people and still do today. It is a buzz that makes coming to work enjoyable regardless of what you are doing!!
I studied to be a secondary Art and Craft teacher. However, I wanted to work in the industry first so worked in design and sales in the textile industry in Melbourne and Sydney.
Missing the family business in Sydney I returned to the family, cherries, and WandinValley Farms.
In 2007 our family bought the remaining shares in Wandin Valley Farms, and we all became involved in the business.
In 2016 I became the CEO of Wandin Valley Farms.
I am proud of what we do and the industry we are involved in. We produce a product that is fresh, flavorsome, healthy and creates excitement all bundled in with Christmas and Summer!!
Elected to VCA committee 26th October 2009
Elected to President of VCA 17th October 2013
Elected to President of CGA 24th January 2024