Canada: Drought expected to affect honey production

Published 2021년 10월 14일

Tridge summary

Alberta's honey production is estimated to have dropped by 30 percent this year due to heat waves, drought, and wildfire smoke, as reported by the Alberta Beekeepers Commission. The harsh conditions forced bees to forage on less desirable plants, potentially affecting the honey's taste and appearance. This marks the third consecutive year of lower than average production, leading to a significant price increase to $2.75 to $3 per pound, which is more than double the price from two years ago. The reduction in honey supply could also increase the risk of competition from imported honey. The quality of honey produced this year may vary, as a significant portion is usually sourced from canola, which stopped producing nectar and pollen due to the extreme weather.

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Original content

Heat waves and drought that decimated crops such as canola this summer likely caused honey production to decline by as much as 30 percent in Alberta, says an industry leader. The harsh conditions even affected the appearance of the honey, said Connie Phillips, executive director of the Alberta Beekeepers Commission. Bees were forced to forage on wildflowers and weeds such as goldenrod that are generally more resistant to extreme weather, she said. The insects were living on the nectar and pollen of “anything that would be growing out in the ditches, along roadsides, next to farmers’ fields — those types of plants … all honey, just depending on where it comes from, has unique flavours, but I haven’t had an opportunity to taste any of this new season yet.” More than 40 percent of Canada’s honey industry is based in Alberta, which produces about 18.6 million kilograms in a good year. The crop in 2018 was valued by Statistics Canada at about $64 million in terms of gross economic ...

Source: The Western Producer