The folowing Resolutions were presented, discussed, and voted upon by the 15 Designated Representatives present at the MBA Annual General Meeting of 12 November 2014, held in Nepawa, Manitoba.
1) BY-LAW REVISIONS
WHEREAS Members of MBA approved a resolution in 2013 to permit their board size to be reduced to eight (8) members and,
WHEREAS the Designated Representative role clarified in 2003 as a result of Manitoba Farm Products Marketing Council directive and,
WHEREAS MBA incorporated these items into an amended Administrative By-law distributed to its members,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That MBA approves amendments to the Administration By-law 1/92.
a) Amendments were approved at 12 November AGM. This item completed by the affirmative vote of members Nov 2014
2) AMEND REGULATION 244/87
WHEREAS On 12 November 2014 MBA members approved the board member count from 12 to 8 in its Administration By-Law, and
WHEREAS Manitoba Honey Marketing Plan Regulation 244/87R identifies a twelve member board in paragraph 3(2),
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That MBA seek approval of the Manitoba Farm Products Marketing Council to amend Regulation 244/87R to reflect an eight (8) Member board.
a) Task was assigned to Fee/Levy Committee at 27 Nov 2014 directors meeting.
b) Regulation amendment forwarded to Manitoba Farm Products Marketing Council February 2015
3) SUBMIT BY-LAWS
WHEREAS Members of MBA approved Administration By-law 1/92 amendments on 12 November 2014,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That MBA forwards its amended Administration By-law to Manitoba Farm Products Marketing Council for approval.
a) Task assigned to Fee/Levy Committee at 27 Nov 2014 directors meeting
b) Copy of amended By-Laws submitted to Manitoba Farm Products Marketing Council February 2015 for their approval.
4) TICK RESEARCH
WHEREAS several members of the beekeeping community are living with the infection results of Blacklegged (Deer) Tick bites and,
WHEREAS beekeepers are prone to tick bites, in part, due to the nature of routine hive placement and management,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That MBA pursue grant funding for Blacklegged (Deer) Tick surveillance research.
a) Application has been prepared jointly by Dr Rochon, U of M, and co-applicant Jim Campbell, MBA.
b) Application under Innovation category has been forwarded in Nov to MAFRD to meet input Growing Innovation deadline of 12 Dec 2014
c) Application has been approved for ARDI funding at level of $78,400 for the two year project March 2015. Funding is only matching thus project has to be scaled back from original design.
d) Contract Agreement signed by MBA and delivered to Growing Forward 2 (811-401 York Ave) Thur 23 April 2015.
e) Dr Kateryn Rochon, U of M, to begin hiring staff upon receipt of grant expected in early May 2015.
5) LEAFCUTTER BEE PROGRAM
WHEREAS MBA had offered to administer the Leafcutter Bee Inspection program during 2014 as there may have been efficiencies in administering two programs together and,
WHEREAS there is little financial benefit to MBA members to Continue administering this service,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That MBA is not interested in being involved in the 2015 Leafcutter Surveillance Program at this time.
a) Resolution is published on line and Forage Seed Association is apprised of information. Task completed 6 December 2014.
6) INSPECTION PROGRAM
WHEREAS during the past two years, there has not been a consistency of apiary inspection and early detection for all regulated diseases, nor availability of year round diagnostic services, and
WHEREAS producers are concerned about bee health and thus preventing the spread of diseases, preventing gaps in inspection history, plus utilizing local bee diagnostic services,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That MBA confirm to the province that the beekeeping industry desires continuing the Honey Bee Disease Inspection and Bee Diagnostic Lab Programs funded and managed by Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.
a) Task assigned to Allan Campbell, President at 27 Nov 2014 directors meeting.
b) Members of MBA scheduled to meet with Min Kostyshyn on 10 December 2014 to raise issue.
c) Province will retain funding and control for Honey Bee Inspection program in 2015. Thus this item is completed March 2015.
7) MAFRD APPRECIATION
WHEREAS: Beekeepers appreciate the inspection program and its assessment of both hobby and commercial operations, and
WHEREAS: Extension Staff support the beekeeping industry through organizing workshop, education and research information events,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: that MBA inform the MB Ag Min of our appreciation for the work Rheal and David do on our behalf .
a) Task assigned to Allan Campbell, President at 27 November 2014 directors meting.
8.) FEE INCREASE
Whereas: CHC will be requiring increased funding from its members, and
Whereas: MBA desires to be proactive and prevent yearly delays in approving funding for CHC at our AGM
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: MBA increase hive levy fees by $0.05 per colony effective 1 January 2015.
a) Task asigned to Fee/Levy Committee for action.
b) Regulation amendment drafted and ready for MBA signatures 8 December 2014.
c) Regulation amendment forwarded to Manitoba Farm Products Marketing Council for approval February.
d) Regulation amendment to be published in Manitoba Gazette during April 2015. This item completed.