Canada and Ontario bolstering honey bee health

TORONTO – The governments of Canada and Ontario are increasing funding to the Honey Bee Health Initiative by up to $1 million to help improve the resiliency and competitiveness of beekeeper operations in Ontario. The additional funding will help more Ontario beekeepers better protect their colonies over the winter and protect against invasive pests such as varroa mites which pose a serious threat to honey bee health. “So many of the crops grown across Ontario depend on healthy bee populations,” said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “We’re expanding this vitally important support for our beekeepers so they can safeguard their livelihoods and keep their honey bee colonies healthy and sustainable." The Honey Bee Health Initiative, made possible through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), initially opened on September 15, 2023 with a budget of over $1.3 million. To date, 218 projects have been approved. ...