Alberta’s honey industry says bee health is the number-one issue affecting the sector.
Tag Archives Alberta Beekeepers Commission
Beekeepers play a crucial role in the province, but they also face many challenges
Climate change, disease and seasonal labour are some of the challenges that Alberta beekeepers face
Product developed to fight varroa mites in beehives
WINNIPEG — A company from B.C. and researchers working in Saskatchewan are leading the global fight against varroa mites, parasites that attack honeybees. Nature Recombined, a firm from Port Coquitlam, has developed a natural product, branded as ApiSave, that protects bees against varroa mites and diseases like American foulbrood. The product is now being tested […] Read more
Imported sugar for domestic bees
Canadian beekeepers spend a lot of money on labour. They often employ temporary foreign workers at their apiaries, so beekeepers must cover the cost of wages, flights to Canada and subsidize the housing for those employees. The second biggest expense for a commercial beekeeper isn’t as obvious. It’s sugar. “On my farm, I’ll spend $1 […] Read more
Variable honey year likely close to average
Total honey production across the Prairies is expected to be close to average this year due to widely variable precipitation and drought that have affected crops in much of the region, said an industry leader. “I think honey production has been all over the map depending on where you’re at and how much rain the […] Read more
Recent rain helps bee producers hurt by dry conditions
Wildfire smoke has slowed the bees while the fires have forced animals such as bears into areas where hives are located
Prairie beekeepers facing dry conditions and wildfire smoke are welcoming recent rain as they deal with warmer weather that initially helped them after a cold start this spring. “It was getting extremely dry in certain areas,” said executive director Rod Scarlett of the Canadian Honey Council. “This is, just as I say, it’s kind of […] Read more
Alberta to compensate for bear-damaged beehives
Three-year pilot project will include bear damage to beehives as part of the Wildlife Damage Compensation program
The idea of bears diving into beehives to get at honey may conjure comical images of Winnie the Pooh or Yogi Bear, but it’s serious for beekeepers, who could face substantial damage costs. Now, Alberta’s Agriculture Financial Services Corp. is launching a three-year pilot to include bear damage to beehives as part of the provincial […] Read more
Ottawa urged to improve how bee industry is regulated
MPs told CFIA should have experts on staff rather than relying on the Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists
Beekeepers need a regulatory agency willing to work collaboratively with the industry and “rely on first-hand knowledge rather than hearsay, acknowledge industry and their expertise and respond in a timely manner.”
