Anyone managing honeybee hives in Ontario can apply for financial support as government ministers vow to help them prevent the spreading of diseases.
Officials in the east-central province announced that apiarists owning fewer than 50 hives were eligible to obtain CDN 4,500 (EUR 3,060, GBP 2,610) from the new Honey Bee Health Initiative. Those in charge of more than 50 alvearies could even ask for up to CDN 25,000 (EUR 17,000, GBP 14,500), they confirmed.
The cash injections are supposed to support apiarists in reacting to the proliferation of diseases by enabling them to purchase state-of-the-art equipment.
Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay said: “Honeybees and the producers who care for them play a vital role in the production and diversity of high-value agricultural crops in Ontario.”
The Liberal Party of Canada politician added: “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.”
Around 13,100 inhabitants of Canada engaged in beekeeping in 2021. More than 3,200 of them were based in Ontario. The province’s association of beekeepers was founded in 1881. With 4,300 apiarists, only British Columbia registered more engagement in apiculture in 2021.
Overall, more than CDN 1.3 million (EUR 884,000, GBP 755,000) will be invested in Ontarians’ beekeeping activities through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, according to Ontario Agriculture Minister Lisa Thompson.
The member of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario said: “Our government is committed to working with our beekeepers to address sector challenges, explore new markets and ensure the sector remains competitive.”
Thompson praised local beekeepers for playing “an important role in honey production and maintaining healthy bee colonies.”
The minister emphasised their engagement was guaranteeing the pollination of crops in the province.
