Canada and Ontario have jointly announced a significant investment of $1 million to further support the Honey Bee Health Initiative, enhancing the resilience and competitiveness of Ontario’s beekeeping operations.
This move is aimed at helping Ontario beekeepers improve colony health during winter and protect against invasive pests such as varroa mites, which pose serious threats to bee populations.
“Ontario’s beekeepers and the honey bee industry are integral parts of Ontario’s food supply and food security,” said Ian Grant, President of the Ontario Beekeepers' Association (OBA). “The OBA welcomes the Ontario government’s further investments into our industry, and thanks Minister Thompson and the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership for their continued support.”
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, highlighted the critical role of healthy bees in pollinating a vast array of crops across Ontario. He emphasized that the expanded support would enable beekeepers to better safeguard their livelihoods and ensure the sustainability of their honey bee colonies.
The Honey Bee Health Initiative, initially launched on September 15, 2023, with a budget of over $1.3 million under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), has already approved 218 projects.
Lisa Thompson, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, reiterated the government's commitment to the bee sector and the production of honey throughout the province, underscoring the importance of honey bees in Ontario’s agriculture and ecosystem. “This increase to the Honey Bee Health Initiative demonstrates our governments' commitment to the bee sector and production of honey throughout the province.”
The initiative, delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA), is also part of the broader Grow Ontario Strategy, aimed at strengthening the province’s agri-food sector.
Starting June 3, 2024, Ontario beekeepers can apply for cost-share funding under the initiative. If you are a small farmer who keep bees, don't miss this funding opportunity. Eligible projects may be funded up to 50 percent of costs, with beekeepers managing fewer than 50 colonies eligible for up to $4,500, and those with 50 or more colonies eligible for up to $25,000.
Applicants must provide evidence of completing a pest management course related to Ontario honey bees from a recognized institution.
This investment is a key part of a five-year, $3.5 billion commitment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments under Sustainable CAP to enhance the competitiveness, innovation, and resilience of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector.