BC beekeepers may not be able to import enough bees to replenish hives lost through the winter thanks to flight restrictions intended to halt the spread of COVID-19. “We were able to get some pallets of bees in from New Zealand at the beginning of March,” says Stan Reist of Flying Dutchman Apiary in Nanaimo …
bees
Bee initiatives in focus
This fall’s Apimondia conference in Montreal put the spotlight on some of the innovative bee research taking place in BC. During the research update at the recent BC Honey Producers Association meeting in Prince George, BCHPA president Kerry Clark acknowledged the BC Ministry of Agriculture’s support for two BC’s participation in Apimondia as well as …
Colony losses have beekeepers on edge
Reports of colony losses across the province have beekeepers on edge this spring, and government wants to know how bad the problem is. “Victoria wants me to give them details right now and with the help of the inspection staff we have been able to collect a bit of information on colony losses,” provincial apiculturist …
Grading requirements changing
Ottawa is making further changes to grading standards for agricultural products, this time changing the requirements for peas and lentils. Beginning August 1, only registered varieties of peas and lentils will be eligible for a “No. 1 Canada” grade. All other varieties will be eligible for nothing higher than “No. 3 Canada,” the lowest grade …
Sweet times for BC honey producers
VICTORIA – Bees may be the new pocket pet for urban residents, quipped a speaker at the BC Honey Producers Association annual meeting and education day in Victoria on October 26, but government support is stronger than ever for the tiny but mighty insect. BCHPA membership now stands at more than 750, boosting association revenues …