By Alice McFarlane

$1 million in AgriRecovery support for beekeepers impacted by losses

Dec 13, 2023 | 11:46 AM

Commercial beekeepers in Saskatchewan who were impacted by abnormally high colony losses in 2022 are getting financial support from the federal and provincial governments.

The $1 million from AgriRecovery will go to eligible producers to rebuild colonies.

On average, Saskatchewan is home to about 100,000 colonies, which produce almost 20 million pounds of honey each year.

Saskatchewan Beekeepers Development Commission president Nathan Wendell said the support will assist impacted provincial beekeepers as they continue to rebuild their operations and restore the viability of their colonies.

“Beyond their obvious economic contributions through honey production and crop pollination, bees have a unique natural role as the unsung heroes of not only the agriculture industry but the ecosystems in which we live and work,” Wendell said.

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The funding addresses losses exceeding 30 per cent in honeybee colonies across Saskatchewan in 2022 due to widespread dry conditions, colder than normal overwinter temperatures, and higher incidences of varroa mite activity.

Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit said commercial beekeeping operations have a critical role in the province’s ecosystem.

“They are integral to Saskatchewan’s agriculture industry, pollinating crops while being responsible for roughly one-fifth of Canada’s honey production,” Marit said. “This assistance covers up to 70 per cent of the costs related to replacing lost stock and colonies and is the most efficient option for helping restore commercial production.”

Saskatchewan joins Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario in aiding beekeepers who lost stock and colonies.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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