Funding helps Ontario beekeepers address stress factors affecting bee health and improve their business
The Voice of Canada News:
| The Governments of Canada and Ontario are announcing cost-share funding to support and strengthen the health of the province’s honey bees and beekeeping sector. Through a targeted intake under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the federal and provincial governments are investing up to $500,000 to help beekeepers make improvements to better manage pests such as Varroa mites, diseases and other stressors and to grow their bee-related business. “The health of bee populations is vital given the importance of pollinators to food and seed production,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “Our government is committed to providing beekeepers with the tools and support they need to maintain and enhance bee health while ensuring a sustainable future for both beekeeping and the Canadian agriculture sector.” “We’re giving the province’s beekeeping sector a boost to help improve and sustain the health of honey bees and to support the important role they play in the agriculture sector,” said Ernie Hardeman, Ontario Minister ofAgriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “This is another example of our commitment to protect our agriculture industry while also working to help our hard-working beekeepers, farmers and food processors to succeed in their business efforts.” “Bees are important pollinators that are essential to maintaining healthy ecosystems and a healthy environment,” said Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “Our government is committed to ensuring pollinators are well protected while supporting our farmers and beekeepers to thrive. Through our Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan, we’re working to protect vulnerable natural areas and other important habitats for future generations.” Under this special application intake, beekeepers will be able to apply for funding to support the following: Equipment to prevent the introduction and spread of disease and increase overwinter survival of beesSampling and analysis for pests and diseases to increase adoption of integrated pest management and other best management practices Business supports to help beekeepers grow their business More detail on eligible activities and cost-sharing amounts for this targeted intake will be available in the near future, with the application intake opening on September 3, 2019. |
