2011 Recommendations for Administering Antibiotics and Acaricides to Honey Bee Colonies

New in this Publication – Thymovar Treatment for Varroa Mite.

Click here for 2011 recommendations (291 kb PDF).

Also check out the “Varroa Monitoring Video” available in the Videos section of this site.

2011 Beekeepers Convention and Symposium

The 105th Manitoba Beekeepers’ Association Convention was Read More »

2011 Convention / Symposium Agenda

Friday, March 4^th, 2011

8:50 a.m. Opening Remarks – Murray Lewis, MBA President, Austin, MB

9:00 a.m. CFIA Honey Program: Registration, Inspection, and Marketing - Sam Barlin, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, MB

9:30 a.m. Bee Biosecurity – Jane MacDonald, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Ottawa, ON

10:30 a.m. The Apis Project: New Tools for Bee Breeding – Dr. Stephen Pernal, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge, AB

11:15 a.m. Bee Nutrition – Randy Oliver, ScientificBeekeeping.com, Grass Valley, CA, USA

1:30 p.m. Food Safety and Best Management Practices for Mexican Honey Exports – Les Eccles, Ontario Beekeepers’ Association Tech-Transfer Team, Guelph, ON

2:15 p.m. Integrated Pest Management Against Varroa destructor – Dr. Pierre Giovenazzo, Université Laval Québec, QC

3:30 p.m. Manitoba Honey and Pollen Residue Survey – Greg Adrian, Manitoba Agriculture Food and Rural Initiatives, Winnipeg, MB

4:00 p.m. Varroa Management Strategies and Techniques - Randy Oliver, ScientificBeekeeping.com, Grass Valley, CA, USA

5:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT

7:00 p.m. Mixer & Research Auction (open bar @ 6:30 pm)

Saturday, March 5^th, 2011

9:00 a.m. Export of Canadian Honey Bee Genetics to Chile: “What We Have To Do?” – Rhéal Lafrenière, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, Winnipeg, MB

9:30 a.m. Baseline Levels of Miticides in Beeswax in Manitoba - David Ostermann, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, Winnipeg, MB

10:30 a.m. Evaluation of the Reproductive Characteristics of Honey Bee Queens – Dr. Pierre Giovenazzo, Université Laval Québec, QC

11:15 a.m. A CHC update on Food Safety, Traceability and Food Security – Rod Scarlett Canadian Honey Council, Edmonton, AB

1:00 p.m. U of M Research Update - Dr. Robert Currie, Rasoul Bahreini, Suresh Desai and Jaclyn Deonarine, University of Manitoba Department of Entomology, Winnipeg, MB

2:30 p.m. Small Hive Beetle Invasion in South Eastern Canada – Dr. Pierre Giovenazzo, Laval University Québec, QC

3:00 p.m. Apiculture Tech Transfer in Mexico – Les Eccles, Ontario Beekeepers’ Association Tech-Transfer Team, Guelph, ON

4:15 p.m. Nosema ceranae: Biology and Control – Dr. Stephen Pernal, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge, AB

5:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT

Seeking Input on Bee Biosecurity in Canada

OTTAWA, November 4, 2010: The Government of Canada and the Canadian Honey Council (CHC) are seeking input from the bee industry on a new voluntary national biosecurity standard that will help bee keepers minimize the risk of pests and diseases in their colonies.

“Bees are a major contributor to the health and vitality of agriculture,” said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “This Government is pleased to support the creation of standards that will contribute to the stability of such an important industry in the agricultural community.”

Bumble bee, leafcutter and honey bee keepers will be contacted at random and asked what they do at the farm level to keep their colonies healthy. This input will assist in creating new voluntary biosecurity standards.

“The CHC is pleased to participate in this benchmarking exercise for on-farm biosecurity,” said Heather Clay, Chief Executive Officer, CHC. “This standard is important to help control the spread of bee pests and diseases.”

The standard, which is expected to be released in 2012, will benefit all managed bees in Canada. This standard will be developed in partnership between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, provincial departments of agriculture, the bee industry and academia.

Biosecurity refers to activities that can be done to minimize the risk of introducing and spreading disease and pests. For more information on biosecurity, please visit www.inspection.gc.ca/biosecurity.

For more information on the bee biosecurity standard project, or to provide feedback, please contact the CHC.

For more information

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media Relations
613-773-6600

Heather Clay
Chief Executive Officer
Canadian Honey Council
1-403-208-7141

2010 Resolutions Approved 17 Nov

Resolutions Approved at the MBA AGM 17 November 2010

See each resolution for its’ current status (Its’ associated board action)

1. SMALL HIVE BEETLE IN CANADA

WHEREAS Small Hive Beetle (Aethina tumida) was discovered on September 8, 2010 in Ontario, in an area close to the Michigan, USA border, and

WHEREAS Ontario quarantined and monitored some areas for infestation, and

WHEREAS although it appears this pest failed to establish an endemic population where invaded previously in MB and AB, and

WHEREAS on going investigation into the possible establishment of SHB in QC, is pointing toward the beetle not being able to establish a endemic breeding population, and

WHEREAS honey bees move interprovincially such as ON to Maritimes, ON to MB/AB, MB to BC, and BC to AB/MB,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that MBA work closely with other provinces to ensure protocol flexibility while mitigating risk of SHB dispersal during interprovincial movement of honey bees.

a) Dec 8, 2010: To Stock Replacement Committee

b) May 2011: CHC working with CFIA on import protocols needed for Hawaii Queens, since SHB found in Spring 2011 shipments in Alberta and Manitoba. Shipping containers destined for Canada need to be stored in freezer prior to use.

c) May 2011: Ontario reported survival of SHB and are maintaining their quarantine zone resytrictions. MBA monitoring ongoing activities and maintaining communications with Ontario staff.

d) October 2011: Ontario has expanded existing quarantine zone slightly as SHB found adjacent to original zone, thus maintaining control of potential spread. Quebec continue monitoring of original sites after eradication of original SHB surviving winter.

2. FUMAGILIN-B LABEL EXPANSION.

WHEREAS Studies are underway by Dr. Pernal, Beaverlodge, AB, on how best to apply Fumagilin-B to control Nosema ceranae, and

WHEREAS preliminary results of the three year study are promising, and

WHEREAS Manitoba producers are anxious to have effective treatment options for Nosema disease control, and

WHEREAS MBA has recently encouraged Medivet to expand label directions to include additional methods of applying Fumagilin-B,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That MBA continue communications with Medivet Pharmaceuticals regarding timing of possible label expansion for Fumagilin-B.

a) Dec 8, 2010: To Pest and Pest management Committee

b) E-mail correspondence from Medivet confirming changes pending research confirmation

c) March 2011: Dr Steve Pernal spoke on Nosema research at MBA Symposium March 2011. He noted research data detailed in CHC Annual Report to be distributed with Hivelights in April.

3. APIVAR EUR

WHEREAS Provinces across Canada, under co-ordination of CHC, successfully applied for and received approval from PMRA for Emergency Use Registration of Apivar for the period 1July 2010 to 30 June 2011, and

WHEREAS producers continue to be concerned about the limited number of options for varroa mite control, and require the treatment option that Apivar provides

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that if Apivar is not registered by the expiration date of the EUR by June 30^th, 2011, MBA work with other provinces to seek Emergency Use Registration of Apivar for 2011-2012 season.

a) Dec 8, 2010: To Pest and Pest management Committee

b) May 17, 2011: Letter to PMRA supporting Emergency Use Registration extension for Apivar.

c) June 22,2011: Response from PMRA that EUR has been approved for July 2011 to June 30, 2012.

d) Summer 2011: MBA monitoring situation whereby full registration of Mite Away Quick Strips is being persued by the manufacturer.

e) September 2011: Due to late spring causing late fall honey flows, MBA sought EUR for MAQS. PMRA rejected this on Sept 7, in favour of keeping resources focused on full registration for fall.

4. QUEEN AVAILABILITY

WHEREAS Manitoba producers are needing honey bee queens in early spring, and

WHEREAS Hawaii, a traditional source, discovered Small Hive Beetle during spring 2010, and

WHEREAS small hive beetle has been discovered in MB, AB, QC and has appeared to fail to establish endemic population, and

WHEREAS protocol revisions were necessary to permit timely importation of Hawaii queens while mitigating risk of acquiring Small Hive Beetle in Canada, and

WHEREAS finding a replacement source of 80,000 quality queens if Hawaii were no longer permitted to export queen to Canada would be next to impossible at this point in time,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that even if risk mitigating conditions placed on importing queens from Hawaii cannot fully guarantee “zero” risk of acquiring Small Hive Beetle, Manitoba producers support continued importation of queens from Hawaii.

a)Dec 8, 2010: To Stock replacement Commttee

b) May 2011: CHC working on protocol revision with CFIA since SHB found in Queen shipments during May 2011 for both Alberta and Manitoba. Hawaii to store shipping crates in freezer proir to using for Canada imports.

c) June 2011: Queen imports received from Hawaii during June have been found free of any signs of SHB.

d) August 2011: MBA continues to moitor sitation in Hawaii (Apr 2010), as SHB is now found on Oahu (Nov 2010), Moloka (May 2011) and most recently on East Maui (July 2011). MAFRI is working with CFIA to inspect all queens imported from the area. After initial discovery of star larvae, no more evidence has been observed during 100% inspection levels.

5. INSPECTION PROGRAM

WHEREAS MBA contributes an annual Inspection Program Cost Recovery amount of $12,000 to the Province, and

WHEREAS MBA desires to reduce the Cost Recovery expense in it annual budget, and

WHEREAS MBA has negotiated with MAFRI to test a pilot program to bypass for one year, those producers having a disease free history, to see if inspection costs could be reduced while maintaining a reasonable inspection level, and

WHEAREAS MBA recognizes some producers are concern about missing a third party assessment under the traditional inspection program, and

WHEREAS the pilot program appears to have merit,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That MBA negotiate with the Province for a reduction in Cost Recovery amount from $12,000 to $10,000 by adopting a revised inspection criteria.

a)Dec 8, 2010: To Safety Net Committee

b) October: Pause in activity on this item as Small Hive Beetle and other issues may need inspection attention in 2012.

6. TEMPORARY WORKERS

WHEREAS Western Canada has a growing and fundamental need for both skilled and unskilled temporary foreign workers to maintain a healthy honey industry, and

WHEREAS Canadian embassies in other countries, such as Manila, have been extremely difficult to work with whenever many of our workers have been denied work visas for no credible reason, and

WHEREAS embassy staff, when pressed, reportedly admitted potential employees were deemed a ‘flight risk’ when actually there was a lack of communication and sufficient information gathered for processing applications, and

WHEREAS the Canadian honey industry will not function to it’s full potential without temporary foreign workers that can be accessed in a timely and forthright manner.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That MBA lobby AAFC and Citizenship & Immigration Canada to instruct embassy staff to be more supportive of Canadian beekeepers requests for qualified temporary foreign workers.

a)Dec 8, 2010: To Foreign Worker Committee

b) September 2011: Canadian Honey Council working on this issue. Federal Government procedure revisions have created difficulties in acquiring summer helpers. Appears to be political pressure to reduce temporary worker use.

7. 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 education and research symposiums,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: that MBA inform the MB Ag Min or our appreciation for the work Rhéal and David do on our behalf

a) Dec 8 2010: MBA Board Chair to action

b) Jan 7 2011: Appreciation letter from MBA president faxed to Min Struthers (Resolution action complete)

8. CHILE QUEENS

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: the MBA support efforts to have the CFIA negotiate a protocol with their counterparts in Chile, to allow Canadian sourced Apis Melifera genetic material to be imported into Chile for Queen Breeding purposes.

a) Dec 8, 2010: MBA Chair to clarify resolution intent prior to sending to Hive Health Committee of CHC

b) October 2011: Delegation from CHile to visit Manitoba to determine how quality genetics can be replicated under Chilean conditions and within their Queen Breeding program, since Chile is still SHB and African Hybrid Bee free.

Queen Bees from Hawaii (2) BMP

The following article is provided courtesy of David Barnes, Kona Queen Hawaii, and is provided for your information about the 2010 situation involving their business.

KONA QUEEN HAWAII, INC.

Best Management Practices for Small Hive Beetle

In April 2010 South African Small Hive Beetles, Aethina tumida Murry, (SHB) were found in Hilo, Hawaii; the East coast of Hawaii.

Kona Queen Hawaii’s response was to begin a progressive approach to the management and control of the SHB before they become fully established on the island of Hawaii.

Our first approach was to employ, on a full time basis, a consultant from the Florida Department of Agriculture; experienced with SHB research and managing SHB in the tropical/sub-tropical environment of Florida.

Since that time we have been applying proven SHB management techniques, establishing SHB protocols for employees, while testing new methods of control for our unique apiaries and environment. Through our contacts in both the honeybee industry and research community we have established working relationships with:

Hawaiian Department of Agriculture (Darcy Oishi)
Florida Department of Agriculture (Jerry Hayes)
University of Florida (Dr. Jamie Ellis)
USDA-ARS- Gainesville, Florida (Dr. Peter Teal)
USDA-ARS- Beltsville, Maryland (Dr. Jeff Pettis)
Pennsylvania State University (Dennis VanEnglesdorp)

With this approach we have established these Best Management Practices for managing and controlling SHB in the hives of Kona Queen. In these early phases of SHB infestation; we are in the process of constantly testing and improving our strategies and protocols to protect our shipments of queens.

Hive Management for Standard 10frame Langstroth hives:

All hives are monitored every two weeks, minimally, for population strength, pollen substitute consumption, and presence of beetles.
- Hives are being placed into direct sunlight as a deterrent for SHB. [“An Effective Trap and Bait Combination for Monitoring the Small Hive Beetle, Aethina tumida (Coleoptera:Nitidulidae)” , published in the Florida Entomologist 90 (2) June 2007 pp404-406]
- Beetle Barns containing Check-mite are placed in all hives showing high levels of adult SHB. [“Small Hive Beetle diagnosis and control in naturally infested colonies using bottom board traps and CheckMite+strips”, Peter Neumann and Dorothee Hoffman, Journal of Pest Science, Volume 81, Number 1, 43-48]
- Any larva found in combs are immediately frozen to prevent comb destruction and reduce the spread of SHB into the environment.

Mating Nucleus (Nucs)

All Nucs are monitored every two weeks for strength of worker population. Any weak Nuc populations found are immediately remedied; by increasing population or pulling the nuc from production.
Any larva found in combs are immediately frozen to prevent comb destruction and reduce the spread of SHB into the environment.

Beetle Barns containing Check-Mite are immediately placed in Nucs found with populations of adult SHB

Banked Queens and Shipments

Hive populations are monitored daily.
Specialized bottom boards are used to prevent populations of SHB.
Beetle Barns containing Check-Mite are placed in any hives showing SHB population.
Queens are packaged in an environment away from SHB activity.
Attendants for queens are selected from recently placed foundation to prevent the presence of SHB on combs and in the packaging area.
All queens are transferred into clean cages before shipment to any region(s) not exposed to SHB; thus preventing the transmission of SHB eggs or larva.

Queen Genetics

Historically we have continuously selected for “Hygienic behavior” which has been proven to aid in the reduction of SHB in hives. [J.D. Ellis 2005, Bee World 86: 56-62]

Extraction and Comb Storage facility

All honey is extracted within three days of arrival, or as soon as possible. (Honey excluders and the use of a permanent feed super, as a buffer between the brood chamber and surplus honey, prevent our surplus honey supers from being attractive to SHB.)
Combs are placed back on hives or stored in a low humidity environment to prevent SHB eggs from hatching.
Extraction equipment is cleaned following extraction; leaving no standing honey or wax cappings.
Specialized SHB traps, developed by the USDA, are placed around the perimeter and interior of the property.

Kona Queen Hawaii is committed to the aforementioned Best Management Practices for Small Hive Beetle. These practices are proving beneficial in the control of SHB in our apiaries and for the continued production of quality queen bees for the beekeeping industry.

Queen Bees from Hawaii (letter)

The Following is the text of an open letter written by Gus Rouse, Kona Queen, Hawaii to Beekeepers across Canada, and is presented here for your information regarding the current situation in and around their operation.

…..LETTER TEXT ONLY…..

October 15, 2010

Dear Customers and Friends in Canada:

As you are probably aware, the Small Hive Beetle (SHB) reached the East coast of our Island this past April. Kona Queen is located on the West coast. Our State agriculture authorities conducted a thorough inspection here at Kona Queen at the end of June and did not find evidence of SHB in the Kona Queen bee yards.

Unfortunately by the end of summer we began finding beetles and larva in our operation. At that time, we changed our packing procedures and began transferring queens into new cages before shipment.

SHB is being managed and controlled here at Kona Queen. We have established the attached Best Management Practices for SHB and have made some big changes to protect our shipments of queen bees.

The current Certification for the export of honeybee queens from the State of Hawaii to Canada states “…officials of the State apiary office inspected the apiaries from which queen bees are derived and any exporting establishment for small hive beetle (SHB) with negative results within ninety (90) days prior to export”. As the current certification reads, we will not be able to demonstrate SHB does not exist. While we do not want to ask Canada to change regulations that are intended to protect you, we also do not want to be excluded as a supplier of the queens you need.

In an effort to continue business, we hope that some new regulations and safety checks might be inserted and we will be allowed to send your queens next year. As you know we need to work on this issue now and not wait until next Spring. Your input and support are greatly appreciated.

Sincerely, (original letter signed by) Gus Rouse

Bulletin

Swarm Reporting

To report a swarm of honey bees, please contact Rheal Lafreniere (204) 945-4825 or David Ostermann (204) 945-3861. Please leave contact phone number(s) as well as directions to the location of the swarm. Length of time the swarm has been in that location is also important information to provide.

Posted by Rheal, Thursday, June 10, 2010

Food Safety Funding for Manitoba Beekeepers

Growing Forward Food Safety Program, For Farms was launched in 2010 and continues through 2011, and is a program for beekeepers. Given that the Canadian Beekeeping Industry’s Safety Quality and Traceability Program (CBISQT) is soon expected to be recognized by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) as the national, Canadian, on-farm food safety program for honey, the Growing Forward Food Safety Program, for Farms has approved an interim project that supports Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in the area of Food Safety, Traceability and Biosecurity.

While the CBISQT’s safety program is still in the approval process, eligible beekeepers can apply for up to $1,000 for equipment replacement. All Manitoba producers registered as active beekeepers with Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI) are eligible for this program. The only exceptions are MAFRI staff and immediate family member (e.g. spouse, husband and children) or relatives that are in partnership with a MAFRI staff person. Applicants to the Food Safety Program, for Farms are eligible for up to 90 per cent of the total cost of eligible equipment. Currently, the program is available for such things as replacing non-food grade honey processing equipment and for replacing brood combs.

For example:
• Up to $1,000 is available to buy new food-grade honey processing equipment (on a 90:10 cost-share basis, with the beekeeper paying 10 per cent). The new equipment must replace similar, old non-food grade equipment and the old equipment must be turned in, to a designated site. It must be obvious that the old equipment has been used recently – old, unused equipment is not eligible.

• Up to $1,000 is available for exchange of up to 500 dark, undamaged brood combs. Frames with foundation for honey bees can be dropped off at the registered rendering site. A $2 rebate per comb is available for purchasing new wax or plastic foundation or new frames with foundation.

How to apply for Food Safety Program, for Farms

1. Complete an application. Application forms for this program are available at your local GO Centre or online at the Manitoba Government Growing Forward website:http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/growingforward/

2. Submit your application to your local GO Centre or mail it to the address on the back of the application form. A Food Safety Program, for Farms approval package, will be sent to you. It includes a checklist of tasks that must be completed before you can make a claim for funds.

3. Drop off the old equipment or the old brood combs to the designated drop off site. Note: You must contact MacGregor Wax Works at 204-685-3080 to make an appointment. Equipment must be clean and free of all honey and wax. Producers without an appointment for drop off may be turned away.

4. MacGregor Wax Works will provide a receipt for the brood combs. For equipment rebates, receipts will be sent to you, once the equipment has been verified as eligible by the program co-ordinator.

5. Once you have the receipts, you can submit them for payment at your local GO Centre, or send them to:
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives
CVO/Food Safety Knowledge Centre
Food Safety Program, for Farms
545 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5S6
Phone: 204-945-5435
E-mail: farmFDsfty@gov.mb.ca

Below are some of the most common questions asked regarding filling out the Growing Forward Food Safety application form:

On Part A of the application form (Page 1) – Do I have a MAFRI Premises ID number? Answer: No, check not yet assigned. This application will initiated the process of assigning your beekeeping operation with a Premises Identification number.

On Part B of the application form (Page 2) – Do I have a Client Number, NAICS Number, and Project Number? Answer: No, this is an office use only section. Please enter your beekeeper registration number along with your name but do not put that number in any of the boxes as previous suggested (i.e. leave the client No. NAICS No. & Project No. blank).

Pg 3 – How many national on-farm food safety programs have you implemented? Answer- for most beekeepers – NONE, leave blank and go to next part. Some of you may have implemented programs for different commodities than bees enter those that you have successfully completed.

On Part B of the application form (Page 3) – Which activity do I check?
Answer: You only need to check box # 2 Farmers: Piloting Manitoba’s Good Agriculture Practices Program, but realize that the maximum amount of funding available for the interim Beekeeper Food Safety project is $1,000.

On Part B of the application form (Page 5) – What planned activity do I fill out? Answer: You ignore everything there and write in honey comb exchange or equipment exchange at the bottom where there is space to write. As a “Start Date:” enter a date that is at least a week from the time you sent in your application. As a “Finish Date:”enter the approximate date you plan to have dropped off your comb or equipment and purchased the replacement equipment -indicating the month and year will be sufficient.

On Pact C of the application (Page 9) – Do I have to fill out the section on Premises Identification? Answer: Yes and proceed to fill out the application. Note this is different that what you may have been told earlier this year.

Where do I send my application form?
Answer: Submit your application to your local GO Centre or mail it to the address on the back of the application form.

When can I drop off the old equipment or the old brood combs to MacGregor Wax Works? Answer: You must have received your approval package from the Growing Forward office approving your application before you drop off the equipment or frames to MacGregor Wax Works. Note: You must contact MacGregor Wax Works at 204-685-3080 to make an appointment.

Equipment must be clean and free of all honey and wax. Producers without an appointment for drop off may be turned away. Keep your receipt from the Waxworks for comb and turn in with your new equipment receipt. For equipment dropped off – a Growing Forward employee will verify what was dropped off and send you a receipt.

When can I purchase the replacement equipment or frames?
Answer: once you have your approval package.

How do I receive reimbursement for the equipment or frames I purchased? Answer: Once you have the receipts, ( for both turned in equipment and new purchased equipment) and have correctly filled in the claims form sent to you with the approval package, you can submit them for payment at your local GO Centre, or send them to:

Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives

CVO/Food Safety Knowledge Centre

Food Safety Program, for Farms

545 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5S6

Phone: 204-945-5435

Program Timing
Beekeepers’ interest/use of the current program will determine the length of time it is available (up to 2013). The Food Safety Program, for Farms’ goal is for all Manitoba farmers and producers to have approved, up-to-date food safety systems.

Once the CBISQT program passes CFIA’s lead technical review, this current comb exchange and equipment rebate program will be replaced with the approved CBISQT program. At that time, up to $2,000 will be available to beekeepers enrolled in CBISQT for program implementation and an additional $5,000 may be available for future food safety equipment upgrades.

For more details on these programs and your eligibility, contact:
Dana Gardiner — On-Farm Food Safety Specialist at 204-391-6616 e-mail Dana.Gardiner@gov.mb.ca

Peter Veldhuis — Program Co-ordinator, Food Safety Program, for Farms at 204-945-5435 e-mail Peter.Veldhuis@gov.mb.ca

Rheal Lafreniere — Business Development Specialist/Provincial Apiarist at 204-945-4825 e-mail Rheal.Lafreniere@gov.mb.ca

Click here for the Growing Forward Food Safety, for Farms – Beekeeper Factsheet (90kb)

Posted by Rheal, Tuesday, March 9, 2010 (updated Aug 2011)

This section includes information and items important to producers.

Floral identification of Canadian Honey and Pollen Project – Mélissa Girard, Laval University

A two-year study has been undertaken at Laval University in Québec in cooperation with the
Quebec federation for beekeepers (FAQ) to develop Canadian expertise in honey and pollen identification. Currently, there is only one person who provided honey and pollen identification service in Canada. M. Clifford Crompton worked for Agriculture and Agri-food Canada and he produced two books about palynology in Canada but he is now retired.

Unlike European honeys, Canadian honeys are not differentiated by their specific floral sources. Much of the honey sold in Canada is simply sold based on the colour of the honey and little to no reference is made to what the floral source of honey would be. Therefore, consumers have great difficulty when trying to purchase honeys from particular floral origins.

A reference collection of flowering plants will be created with the help of research centers and universities from all over Canada sending flowers to the CRSAD. However, the help from beekeepers (although optional) would be greatly appreciated. Potential flowers targeted for mono-floral honeys could be collected and sent with honey samples to the address below. Sample_submission_form_2010Although he analytical services are free beekeepers will be responsible for the shipping costs.

Procedure if you decide to collect flowers :
- Collect a full envelop (standard letter size) of freshly opened flowers from a single species.
- Seal the envelop.
- On the envelop, write down the plant species or common name, date of collection and the environment (forest, agricultural field, roadside, etc.)
- Let the envelop dry under the sun for 2-3 days (through a window)

Amount of honey or pollen to send for analysis:
- Honey: 50g
- Pollen: 175 ml -250 ml of pellets (approximately 1/2-1 cup) *

*The total amount of pollen pellets must be mixed gently in order to homogenize the content prior to taking the sample. The pollen must be dried or kept frozen until mailing.
Please do not forget to submit the identification form when you submit the sample(s).

Shipping address for sample(s):
Centre de recherche – services-conseils
c/o Mélissa Girard
120-A, chemin du Roy Deschambault
Québec Canada
G0A 1L0

melissa.girard.apiculture@hotmail.com
1-418-656-2131 #8876

During the project, Ms. Mélissa Girard, a M.Sc. graduate who has extensive training in both beekeeping and palynology will be in charge of the project. Thereafter, the service will continue to be offered at an affordable price through the CRSAD. In addition to the development of honey and pollen analytical services a Picture guide and identification key of the pollen grains of Canada are the main objectives of this study.

Posted by Rheal, Friday, July 2, 2010

Apivar has been granted an Emergency Registration

* Apivar has been granted an Emergency Registration from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012. *

More information on specific directions of use and any other conditions of registration will be circulated when it becomes available.

Posted by Rheal, Friday, June 18, 2010 (Updated by Jim 15 Aug 2011)

Manitoba Beekeepers' Association