The federal and provincial governments have announced they have increased the Honey Bee Health Initiative funding by up to $1 million.
The funding will help more Ontario beekeepers protect their colonies over the winter and against invasive pests such as varroa mites, which seriously threaten honey bee health.
“So many of the crops grown across Ontario depend on healthy bee populations,” said the Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay. “We’re expanding this vitally important support for our beekeepers so they can safeguard their livelihoods and keep their honey bee colonies healthy and sustainable.”
Beekeepers can apply for cost-share funding under the program as of June 3, and applications will remain open until all funds have been allocated.
The funding comes through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which opened on September 15, 2023, with a budget of over $1.3 million. To date, 218 projects have received funding.
