Programs for Beekeepers

The Government has recently announced two programs to support Canadian beekeepers.

1. Advancing Beekeeper Business Capacity

To diversify and build beekeeper business capacity through support for: bee breeding for pest/disease resistance; development or marketing of niche/retail products; or pollination services expansion.

Who should apply?

• Ontario beekeepers holding a valid certificate of registration, issued under the Bees Act, for the current beekeeping season who wish to significantly increase their sales by developing new products or processes, or who wish to increase their sales in the Canadian market by implementing a comprehensive business or marketing plan.

• Ten (10) or more colonies registered with the Provincial Apiarist for the current beekeeping season

Eligible activities and expenditures

• Establishing Domestically Raised Disease Resistant Honey Bee Colonies, including

• Implementing a comprehensive marketing plan to retain, expand and/or access new markets in Canada

• Developing products or processes to significantly increase sales and retain or grow an existing market or access a new market

• Capital expenses and installation or configuration costs

• First-time training of key personnel on new, project-related equipment, technology and processes (e.g., train the trainer) related to value-added agri-food/agricultural products

• One-time costs for rental of facilities, processing equipment or machinery required specifically for the project

Available cost-share

50 per cent, up to a maximum of $3,500 per business, for all cost-share funding paid under the Targeted Intake to Support Managed Bee Health

Other useful information

The following exceptions are in place for applicants and projects submitted under the Targeted Intake to Support Managed Bee Health:

• Applicants are not required to have a Premises Identification Number for the farm property where the project is to take place

2. Honey Bee Health Management

Projects will focus on equipment, new construction or modifications to existing beekeeping equipment, as well as adopting or implementing practices to prevent the introduction and spread of honey bee pests and disease within a beekeeping operation

Who should apply?

• Ontario beekeepers holding a valid certificate of registration, issued under the Bees Act, for the current beekeeping season

• Ten (10) or more colonies registered with the Provincial Apiarist for the current beekeeping season

Eligible activities and expenditures

Operational improvements for the purpose of reducing biosecurity risks, overwinter loss and to manage or prevent the introduction and spread of honey bee pests and disease, including but not limited to:

• Hive health management to a limit of $750 in cost-share funding

• Purchase of equipment necessary to improve hive health management practices

Available cost-share

50 per cent, up to a maximum of $3,500 per business, for all cost-share funding paid under the Targeted Intake to Support Managed Bee Health

Other useful information

The following exceptions are in place for applicants and projects submitted under the Targeted Intake to Support Managed Bee Health:

• Applicants are not required to have a Premises Identification Number for the farm property where the project is to take place

• The maximum amount of in-kind payment for labour and equipment is $500

Both program intakes open September 3rd 2019