Entomologists have been
researching the decline in honey bee colony populations. They conclude that the
Colony Collapse Disorder may lead to the market disappearance of nearly 80 percent of fruits and vegetables.
In order to help research new strategies to develop a comprehensive plan to tackle the issue, the federal government
announced Wednesday that it has issued a $244,000 investment to the
Ontario Beekeepers’ Association (OBA).
Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP) is providing the funding – CAAP is a $163 million five-year initiative to assist the nation’s agricultural sector.
“Ensuring a more profitable and sustainable future for the bee industry will benefit farmers, industry, and the ecosystem,” said Sarnia-Lambton Member of Parliament Patricia Davidson. “This project will help farmers and the entire industry increase profitability and find ways to improve breeding while developing good management practices.”
Since 2007, Ontario beekeepers have
lost a considerable number of honey bee colonies. The loss is due to the high demand of pollination services, colonies suffering from disease and pest resistance to treatment methods.
This honey bee breeding and management project will assist beekeepers in establishing honey harvests at sustainable levels and to provide necessary pollination services to those in the fruits and vegetables industry.
“The funding provided through AAC will greatly advance OBA's efforts to ensure the beekeeping industry has quality and consistent honey bee stocks,” said Agriculture Adaptation Council Chairman, Jim Rickard. “Bees are the major pollinator of food crops and it is critical that beekeepers have access to the technology they need to maintain healthy bee colonies."
The Universities of Guelph and Manitoba will lead the research.
