Honey bees pollinate $4.6 billion worth of food in Australia, but with the inevitable spread of a parasitic mite and the eventual predicted wipe-out of the feral bee population, farmers are warning of an impact at the check-out.

Researchers have previously predicted feral bees will succumb to varroa mite in coming years, which will see demand from pollination-dependent fruit and vegetable producers steeply rise — posing a significant threat to Australia’s food productivity.

Attempts to eradicate the parasite in New South Wales failed, with the industry moving to a management phase late last year.

Footing extra costs for varroa mite treatment, labour and colony losses in managed hives could have flow-on effects on produce availability and prices, according to Duxton Bees managing director Keegan Blignaut.

Mr Blignaut has experienced the effects of varroa mite firsthand while working in New Zealand, where the parasite is endemic.