Program to Support Beekeepers, Fruit Growers

The province is supporting Nova Scotia's beekeeping industry and fruit growers through a new Pollination Expansion Program launched today, May 17.

The program will invest $450,000 over three years to help beekeepers increase the province's bee population to help with pollination. The program includes funding to buy more bees and upgrade equipment to accommodate and keep them healthy. There is also funding for inspection services and workshops for new beekeepers.

"Producers of blueberries, apples, grapes, cranberries and other crops in the province can only increase their yields if they have access to sufficient numbers of bees for pollination," said Agriculture Minister John MacDonell.

"By investing in measures to increase the province's healthy bee population, this program will help both commercial beekeepers and fruit producers to expand their operations, which contribute to the provincial economy."

Pollination provided by Nova Scotia's bee industry are valued at $1.9 million annually. The industry produces honey and wax valued at about $1.1 million.

"This program is good for beekeepers and it's good for wild blueberry producers," said David Sangster, executive director of the Wild Blueberry Producers Association of Nova Scotia. "Many Nova Scotia wild blueberry producers who want to increase the number of pollination units for their crops, and this program will support Nova Scotia beekeepers in helping to meet that demand."

Eligibility guidelines and application forms for the program are available on the Department of Agriculture's website at www.gov.ns.ca/agri/prm .