Introduction

The Provincial Apiarist report is an annual written summary providing highlights and details on a range of Apiary Program findings, including:

  • the levels of common apiary pests and diseases found during inspections
  • honey production statistics
  • number of honey bee colonies leaving Ontario to pollinate crops in eastern Canada
  • in-season and overwinter honey bee mortality
  • any emerging issues for a particular beekeeping season

The annual Provincial Apiarist reports are published by the Ontario Apiary Program.

Apiary Program

The goals of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ (OMAFRA) Apiary Program are to:

  • oversee the Ontario Bees Act and regulation 57 (which includes conducting apiary inspections, issuing permits and registering beekeepers)
  • conduct monitoring to assess and report on bee health in Ontario
  • work with stakeholders to maintain the viability of Ontario’s diverse beekeeping industry
  • advise on best management practices and treatment recommendations

The Apiary Program engages in dialogue with colleagues in research, extension and policy roles in Canada and internationally. The Apiary Program also actively collaborates with numerous committees and working groups on a variety of topics, including the:

  • Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists, which addresses specific issues such as honey bee imports, registration of pest and disease treatment options, new and emerging pests and diseases, updates in research and apicultural science and overwinter mortality
  • Ontario Animal Health Network, which connects with industry expertise on pest and pathogen surveillance strategies
  • Apiary Inspectors of America, which allows for international dialogue on regulatory, technical protocols and program policy
  • Pollination and Apiary Advisory Committee of Ontario, which identifies priorities and gaps within apiculture in Ontario