Manitoba beekeepers will be eligible for $7.5 million in support from the federal and provincial governments to rebuild their colonies following extraordinary losses incurred over the winter of 2021-22, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson announced today.

“Beekeepers and healthy bee populations play a vital role in the sustainable production of many high-value agricultural crops. With support to help overcome this unique sector challenge and recover unexpected colony losses, beekeepers will be better equipped for future growing seasons.” — The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

There are about 115,000 colonies in the province, with 95 per cent of colonies belonging to commercial beekeepers. Manitoba’s honeybee industry experienced high losses over the winter of 2021-22, as did numerous beekeepers across Canada. In Manitoba, 2021-22 winter losses were estimated to be 57 per cent of colonies; normal losses are typically in the range of 30 per cent, Johnson noted.

“The honeybee industry is a critical component of Manitoba’s economy – honeybees pollinate many of Manitoba’s key crops, contributing up to $150 million to the province’s agricultural production. Winter 2021-22 saw unprecedented colony loss, and our government is pleased to provide up to $3 million in provincial cost-share funding to rebuild colony inventories through the AgriRecovery program so that beekeepers can return to full capacity.” — Manitoba Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson

Purchasing replacement colonies is the fastest option for returning to full production capacity. Under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership and AgriRecovery, commercial beekeepers with 50 or more colonies who are registered with the Manitoba government can apply to purchase replacement stock (colonies, packages and queens.)

“Manitoba beekeepers have faced consecutive and compounding challenges over the past few years including drought in 2021, spring snowstorms, and a shortage of replacement honeybee stock. Many producers were left short of honeybees for the 2022 season. The support announced by the government today will help Manitoba producers accelerate the recovery from this extraordinary winter loss event. Our Manitoba honeybee industry consists of 250 commercial beekeepers which typically produce 18-20 million pounds of honey valued at $50-60 million. We appreciate the investment into our industry, and we appreciate the recognition of the importance of the value that our industry brings to the agricultural landscape.” — Ian Steppler, chair, Manitoba Beekeepers Association.

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