April 10, 2015 – Langley, British Columbia – Western Economic Diversification Canada
Corresponding Document : Photo Gallery
Today Mark Warawa, Member of Parliament for Langley, on behalf of the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced support for the establishment of a commercial beekeeping program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
Pollination by honeybees is vital to the existence of many B.C. crops and paid pollination services are increasing in demand. This program helps to meet this demand and will provide access for students to enter the beekeeping industry. In addition, the program will offer courses in bee botany that crop producers can enroll in to learn how to improve their yield. The Government’s investment will strengthen local agriculture by creating new economic opportunities and increasing the potential income of farmers.
Industry representatives will work with Kwantlen Polytechnic University to develop curriculum and create the unique classroom space necessary for proper apiculture training. In the ten month program, students will learn about bee hive care, bee disease management, food safety, bee botany, processing, packaging and marketing, and bee business planning and growth.
Ben Letts
A/Regional Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Vancouver, British Columbia
Telephone: 604-838-7203
Email: ben.letts@wd-deo.gc.ca
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist, Communications
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Surrey, British Columbia
Telephone: 604-599-2883
Email: hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
Subscribe to news releases and keep up-to-date on the latest from WD. Follow us on Twitter at @WD_Canada.
