The federal and Ontario governmeents are adding $1 million to the Honey Bee Health Initiative to help improve the resiliency and competitiveness of beekeeper operations in Ontario.
The additional funding will used to better protect colonies over the winter and protect against invasive pests such as varroa mites.
“So many of the crops grown across Ontario depend on healthy bee populations,” said federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay.
The Honey Bee Health Initiative opened on September 15, 2023, with a budget of more than $1.3 million. To date, 218 projects have been approved.
“Honey bees play an important role in our agriculture and food industry as well as in Ontario’s ecosystem”, said Ontario Agriculture Minister Lisa Thompson.
This program is delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA).
“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.
He welcomed the support.
