Canada and Ontario have teamed up, aiming to secure the future of honey bees and the dedicated beekeepers behind them. They're injecting over $1.3 million into the cause through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). Their goal? To bolster the stamina and edge of Ontario's beekeeping operations.
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, emphasized the invaluable role of honey bees and their caregivers. He remarked, "Honey bees ensure Ontario thrives with diverse, top-quality agricultural crops." This fresh initiative promises beekeepers the tools tailored for them, paving their way towards flourishing and lasting beekeeping journeys.
The Honey Bee Health Initiative takes the limelight. Ontario's beekeepers, guardians of honey production and bee health, will find support in maintaining fit honey bee colonies. This initiative doesn't stop there – it nudges them to expand their colony count. It's also a green light for acquiring or tweaking equipment to ward off diseases and conducting vital analysis to perfect their practices.
Lisa Thompson, the head of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs in Ontario, sung praises for the beekeepers. "Beyond honey, they’re pivotal for pollinating Ontario’s crops," she observed. The government stands firm beside beekeepers, addressing hurdles, diving into fresh markets, and ensuring they stay ahead in the game.
Backing this, the funding adds to past endeavours like the 2021 Honey Bee Health Management plans, under the wings of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP). Not to forget, the recent pledge of $5 million via AgriRecovery (again under Sustainable CAP), thrown in to compensate Ontario's beekeepers for the colony losses from 2021-22's harsh weather.
This venture will be overseen by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA). It resonates with the vision of the Grow Ontario Strategy, anticipating a 30% growth in Ontario's food production and preparation by 2032.
Sustainable CAP is a big plan from the federal and provincial governments to help agriculture and related sectors for 5 years (from 2023 to 2028). The plan will invest $3.5 billion, with $1 billion from the federal government and $2.5 billion from the provincial governments. The goal of the plan is to make agriculture and related sectors stronger, more innovative, and more resilient. The $2.5 billion shared fund will be used for province-led programs.