Ontario beekeepers get 1.7M boost support

Funding helps beekeepers improve hive health and productivity

The governments of Canada and Ontario have invested over $1.7 million in the Honeybee Health Initiative to help beekeepers across Ontario grow and protect their colonies from diseases, pests, and harsh weather.  

This strategic funding supports 206 local beekeeping businesses and 334 projects to enhance colony resilience and maintain competitiveness amid ongoing U.S. tariffs. 

"Honey bees in Ontario provide valuable pollination services to many of the crops we eat. High winter losses, new pests, and the threat of treatment resistance have made recent years challenging for Ontario’s beekeepers,” shared Stephen Moore, President, Ontario Beekeepers’ Association.  “The Honey Bee Health Initiative has been a valuable support for beekeepers who are having to change their practices or invest in new equipment to meet the emerging challenges. It is helping to enable beekeepers to continue to provide the critical pollination services to the broader agricultural and horticultural community here in Ontario." 

“Healthy bee populations are vital to the diverse crops that grow right across Ontario,” said the Honourable Heath MacDonald, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “I’m pleased that our support through the Honeybee Health Initiative is helping beekeepers protect their colonies and improve their resiliency for years to come.” 

“Our government is proud to invest in Ontario’s honeybee industry through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, in collaboration with the federal government,” said Trevor Jones, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. "By supporting our beekeeping industry, we’re protecting the essential role pollinators play in agriculture and securing Ontario’s food supply chains.” 

Ontario has over 4,000 registered beekeepers, generating around $28 million in farm gate sales. The Honeybee Health Initiative provides cost-shared funding to help beekeepers improve biosecurity, reduce overwintering losses, and acquire disease-resistant bee stock and hive management tools. 

"We are thrilled the governments of Canada and Ontario recognize the essential role honey bees play in Ontario's agricultural industry and ecosystem,” said Chris Hiemstra, Clovermead Apiaries Ltd., Aylmer. “This investment in partnerships with beekeepers demonstrates their strong commitment to supporting the health and vitality of bee populations across Ontario and Canada.” 

“Clovermead Apiaries Ltd. took advantage of this funding opportunity to support the health of our honey bees so that they continue to produce high-quality honey and bee pollen, used for pollinating crops and ensuring healthy food products for Ontarians. Together, we are fostering a more sustainable and resilient apiculture industry and agricultural system for the benefit of all." 

Photo Credit: pexels-anete-lusina