In celebration of the South African Beekeeping Industry’s centenary year, the annual SABIO BEECON in partnership with SAMAC will be taking place in six regions rather than just one location as has been the rule before. This is both in response to the national state of emergency due to the COVID-19 lockdown regulations as well as to meet beekeepers in as many areas previously uncovered by national beekeeping conferences as possible. Thus, essentially taking BEECON to the beekeepers. In response to the hardships brought on by the current pandemic, we are also aiming to make attendance free to all delegates. As the events will focus on macadamia pollination participation is not limited to SABIO members. We hope that as many beekeepers and macadamia growers possible will attend these events.

The four topics covered will be:

• The effect of honeybee pollination on macadamia crop yield – Dr Hannelie Human
• Environmentally friendly management of macadamia pests: Can it be achieved? – Dr Schalk Schoeman (SAMAC)
• Maximizing pollination in Macadamia – Michel Lenferna
• Additional forage to sustain pollinators and bee populations to maximize pollination – Inge Lotter or Dr Andriaan du Toit