Canada and Ontario investing to support honey bee health
News release
Governments investing over $1.3 million to help beekeepers improve their operations
August 8, 2023 – Toronto, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing over $1.3 million through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to help improve the resiliency and competitiveness of beekeeper operations in Ontario.
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 prevents the spread of disease and analysis work to support best management practices.
This funding builds on previous programs, such as the 2021 back-to-back Honey Bee Health Management initiatives offered under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
This initiative will be delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) and will directly contribute to the goals outlined in our Grow Ontario Strategy. The outcomes of this Initiative will contribute to increasing the amount of food grown and prepared in Ontario by 30% by 2032.
Sustainable CAP is a 5-year (2023-2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal‐provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs designed and delivered by the provinces and territories.
Quotes
“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. 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.
- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“Ontario beekeepers play an important role in honey production and maintaining healthy bee colonies which in turn, contributes to the pollination of Ontario crops. Our government is committed to working with our beekeepers to address sector challenges, explore new markets and ensure the sector remains competitive.”
- Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Quick facts
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The application intake for the Honey Bee Health Initiative will open on September 15, 2023, and will remain open until funding for the initiative is allocated.
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Up to 50% of the costs of approved projects may be funded under the initiative. 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.
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Eligible applicants will be required to provide evidence of completing a pest management course related to Ontario honey bees from a recognized institution.
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The Grow Ontario Strategy is the province’s plan to strengthen the agri-food sector, support economic growth and ensure an efficient, reliable and responsive food supply for Ontarians.
Associated links
Contacts
For media:
Simon Lafortune
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
simon.lafortune@agr.gc.ca
343-549-0778
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
aafc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.aac@agr.gc.ca
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Web: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Andrew Hartmann
Minister’s Office
Andrew.Hartmann@ontario.ca
Connie Osborne
Communications Branch
OMAFRA.media@ontario.ca
519-826-3145