Over $1.3 million through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership will help improve the resiliency and competitiveness of beekeeper operations in Ontario.
“Honey bees and the producers who care for them play a vital role in the production and diversity of high-value agricultural crops in Ontario,” said Lawrence MacAulay, federal minister of agriculture and agri-food, in a government news release. “Through this initiative, beekeepers will be able to access tools specific to their unique needs so they can continue building successful and sustainable beekeeping operations.”
See: Powassan's first Honey Fest a hive of activity
Studies have shown that neonicotinoids, an agricultural insecticide, are one of the factors linked to colony collapse and declining bee populations.
The new Honey Bee Health Initiative will help Ontario beekeepers maintain healthy honey bee colonies and will support them as they grow their number of colonies. Eligible activities also include equipment purchases or modifications of equipment that prevent the spread of disease and analysis work to support best management practices.
“Ontario beekeepers play an important role in honey production and maintaining healthy bee colonies which in turn, contributes to the pollination of Ontario crops,” said Lisa Thompson, minister of agriculture, in the release.
Ontario beekeepers with fewer than 50 hives are eligible for up to $4,500 total on approved projects and beekeepers with more than 50 hives are eligible for up to $25,000.
— BayToday
