New Honey Bee Health Funding

August 23, 2023
This NEW Honey Bee Health Initiative, provided through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) and delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA), is to help support beekeepers in maintaining healthy honey bee colonies as well as grow their number of colonies to increase the sustainability of the beekeeping industry in Ontario. 
 
Beginning September 15, 2023, eligible Ontario beekeepers can apply for cost-share funding for operational improvements that reduce biosecurity risks, overwintering loss, and to manage or prevent the introduction and spread of honey bee pests and diseases. The purchase of disease-free honey bee stock, including queens and queen cells, nucleus colonies, full size colonies and honey bee packages will also be supported.
 
Program information can be found at: https://www.ontariosoilcrop.org/honey-
Be sure to carefully review the program details, including eligibility requirements before applying.
 
Important program details include:
  • To apply you must have ten (10) or more colonies registered with the Provincial Apiarist under the Bees Act for the current beekeeping season (2023)
  • Applicants must have completed a pest management course related to honey bees, specific to Ontario, from a recognized institution within the last two years or have completed a diploma or degree in beekeeping from a recognized college or university within the last five years. See eligible courses HERE
  • Eligible approved costs will be funded at 50% cost-share up to a maximum of $25,000 per registered commercial beekeeper or $4,500 per registered small-scale/hobbyist beekeeper
  • Costs for the purchase of honey bee stock are eligible retroactive to April 1, 2023; all other eligible costs cannot be incurred, invoiced, and/or paid for, prior to submitting an application and receiving written notification of application approval
  • Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis while program funds remain available
Learn more about the Honey Bee Health Initiative here or by emailing OSCIA at s-cap@ontariosoilcrop.org.