Beekeepers get $1M support amid colony losses

Saskatchewan's beekeeping community receives significant aid of $1 million to recover from extensive colony losses in 2022. This vital support, part of the AgriRecovery program, directly addresses challenges caused by arid conditions, severe winter temperatures, and heightened varroa mite activity.

The joint announcement by Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit underscores the crucial role of bees in sustaining Canada's agricultural system. With Saskatchewan witnessing colonies exceeding 30% losses due to adverse conditions, this support aims to offset challenges faced by the honeybee sector.

“Bees play a vital role in pollinating so many of our crops and are integral to the success of our Canadian agricultural system,” said MacAulay. “We want to ensure this industry remains strong, and this funding through AgriRecovery will help offset some of the challenges the honey bee sector in Saskatchewan has faced recently.”

Marit highlighted the pivotal role played by commercial beekeepers in agriculture, constituting nearly one-fifth of Canada's honey production and serving as essential pollinators for crops. The assistance, covering up to 70% of expenses for lost colonies, stands as an efficient measure to swiftly restore commercial production.

"Commercial beekeeping operations have a critical role in our ecosystem and are also 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." 

Beyond economic contributions, bees hold a unique position in our ecosystem.  "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," Saskatchewan Beekeepers Development Commission President Nathan Wendell said. "This support is greatly appreciated, and will assist impacted provincial beekeepers as they continue to rebuild their operations, restore the viability of their colonies and resume their important contributions to a balanced and thriving environment."