Ontario and Federal Governments Boost Honeybee Health Funding
In a significant move to support the beekeeping industry, the Ontario and federal governments have announced an additional $1 million in funding for the Honeybee Health Initiative. This initiative, aimed at improving the resiliency and competitiveness of beekeeping operations in Ontario, is a part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
Launched on September 15, 2023, with a budget exceeding $1.3 million, Sustainable CAP has already approved 218 projects. The additional funding will help Ontario beekeepers better protect their colonies during the winter months and safeguard against invasive pests like varroa mites, which pose a serious threat to honeybee health.
Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson highlighted the importance of honeybees, stating, “Honeybees play an important role in our agriculture and food industry as well as in Ontario’s ecosystem.”
Administered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA), the initiative aligns with the Grow Ontario Strategy, supporting the sustainability and health of bee populations across the province. Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay emphasized, “So many of the crops grown across Ontario depend on healthy bee populations. We’re expanding this vitally important support for our beekeepers so they can safeguard their livelihoods and keep their honeybee colonies healthy and sustainable.”
Local beekeepers in the Vankleek Hill area, such as Russell Gibbs of Gibbs Honey, welcome the additional funding. Gibbs, who has benefited from OSCIA/CAP funding in the past, noted, “We’ve been able to participate in the funding for the past few years, and we’re looking forward to the chance to do more.”
Gibbs explained that the application process, though initially challenging, has become more manageable with experience, yielding significant benefits such as acquiring a walk-in freezer, equipment, and hygienic queens. “Anything that supports beekeepers supports the health of bees,” he added.
Sustainable CAP represents a 5-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments, aimed at enhancing the competitiveness, innovation, and resilience of Canada’s agriculture sector. This investment includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities, with the remaining $2.5 billion cost-shared between the federal (60%) and provincial/territorial (40%) governments for locally designed and delivered programs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1: What is the Honeybee Health Initiative? A1: The Honeybee Health Initiative is a funding program aimed at improving the resiliency and competitiveness of beekeeping operations in Ontario, helping protect bee colonies and combat invasive pests like varroa mites.
Q2: Who administers the Honeybee Health Initiative? A2: The initiative is delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA).
Q3: What is the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP)? A3: Sustainable CAP is a 5-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments to strengthen Canada’s agriculture sector, including $1 billion in federal programs and $2.5 billion in cost-shared programs.
Q4: How can beekeepers apply for funding? A4: Beekeepers can apply for funding through the OSCIA, which administers the program and provides guidance on the application process.
Q5: What benefits have beekeepers seen from the funding? A5: Beekeepers have used the funding for various needs, including purchasing equipment, storage solutions, and hygienic queens, which support the overall health and sustainability of their bee colonies.
Hashtags:
- #HoneybeeHealth
- #SustainableAgriculture
- #BeekeepingSupport
- #OntarioBeekeepers
- #AgricultureInnovation
