Bee Friendly Farming – Sustainability Award 2025

The 2025 Bee Friendly Farming Sustainability Award is awarded to Global Ag Properties II Australia Pty Ltd with their two almond orchards, Huddersfield and Tubbo. 

The two orchards are located in the Riverina region of New South Wales spanning 1,677 hectares and are jointly managed by Nuveen Natural Capital and Agfield Services. 

Agfield Services is led by General Manager Jamie Wilde, who has overseen the development of both orchards and driven the Bee Friendly Farming certification.

Since joining the program in 2022, the team across both farms have demonstrated exceptional commitment to pollinator health, biodiversity and sustainability. 

The team plants 500 native shrubs annually at each orchard, creating a combined total of about 1,000 plants per year. These plantings help establish native tree lines and provide habitat for beneficial insects, including lacewings and ladybeetles.

Every winter, mixed species cover crops are established throughout the properties to provide nutrition and to keep the bees healthy and refuelled.

Orchard General Manger Jamie Wilde said "these bee-friendly practices have helped with hive health and the bees’ performance during pollination."

"This naturally flows into our orchards' production results and overall financial returns," Jamie said.

The success of the Bee Friendly Farming program on these orchards is a testament to collaboration.

“Nuveen Natural Capital and Agfield Services work closely together to focus on sustainability,” Jamie said.

“This shared commitment is key to our orchards’ success.”

The Huddersfield and Tubbo team also ensure that contractors and suppliers share the same dedication to pollinator-friendly practices.

“My team and I work closely with reliable bee suppliers to maintain a consistent and high-quality hive supply from season to season,” Jamie said.

Secure and sustainable pollination is vital to almond production, with the vast majority of almond grown in Australia dependent on insect pollination to set fruit.

The proactive on-farm practices at Huddersfield and Tubbo orchards have supported bee health and pollination efficiency, demonstrating how careful management safeguards orchard productivity, yield quality and long-term resilience.

The Bee Friendly Farming team congratulates Jamie, his orchard crew and everyone at Nuveen Natural Capital and Agfield Services on their outstanding achievements and for being awarded the 2025 Bee Friendly Farming Sustainability Award.