How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 60% of admissible expenses, capped at $25000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is 2024-04-12T21:00:00Z.

Who are the financial supporters of the Honey Bee Health Initiative?

Honey Bee Health Initiative is funded by Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA)

What are Honey Bee Health Initiative's eligibility criterias?

The applicant must possess a valid certificate of registration issued under the Bees Act for the current beekeeping season. Proof of completed pest management course related to honeybees specific to Ontario within the last two years, or a diploma/degree in beekeeping from a recognized institution within the last five years is required.

Honey Bee Health Initiative

Last Update: January 24, 2025

ON, Canada

Funding for beekeepers in Ontario

Honey Bee Health Initiative at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $25,000
Up to 60% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : September 15, 2023
Closing date : April 12, 2024

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Grant Providers

Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA)

Status

Open

Overview of the Honey Bee Health Initiative program

Access funding of up to $25,000 to cover up to 50% of eligible costs to maintain healthy honey bee colonies as well as grow your number of colonies.

Financing terms and conditions

The Honey Bee Health Initiative grant supports beekeepers in Ontario with accessible financing options to enhance hive health and sustainability. The funding structure is designed to reduce financial burdens while promoting effective pest and disease management practices.

50% cost-share funding is available.
Funding up to a maximum of $25,000 for registered commercial beekeepers.
Funding up to a maximum of $4,500 for registered hobbyist beekeepers.
The intake will close once available funding has been fully allocated.

Eligible projects & activities

The Honey Bee Health Initiative focuses on enhancing the sustainability and health of honey bee populations. Eligible projects aim to implement measures that reduce risks and improve the overall well-being and management of honey bee colonies.

Operational improvements to diminish biosecurity risks and overwintering loss.
Acquisition or modification of equipment or facilities to enhance hive health management practices.
Adoption or implementation of best management practices to prevent the introduction and spread of honey bee pests and diseases.
Conducting sampling and analysis for pests and diseases affecting honey bees.
Purchasing new honey bee stock or queens to ensure genetic diversity and a healthy bee population.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 22,500

Conduct pest and disease sampling and analysis for honey bee colonies

$ 25,000

Purchase new honey bee stock to enhance genetic diversity

$ 20,000

Adopt best management practices to prevent pests

$ 25,000

Install biosecurity measures to reduce honey bee pests and diseases

$ 24,000

Modify existing facilities to improve hive health

$ 23,500

Upgrade hive equipment to improve honey bee health

Eligibility criteria of the Honey Bee Health Initiative program

Eligibility for the Honey Bee Health Initiative grant requires specific documentation and certifications related to beekeeping in Ontario.

The applicant must have a valid certificate of registration issued under the Bees Act (in the name of the applicant) for the current beekeeping season.
The applicant must provide proof of completing a pest management course related to honeybees specific to Ontario within the last two years, or proof of completing a diploma or degree in beekeeping within the last five years from a recognized institution.
The application must include quotes or proposals for all proposed activities to support costs.

Who is eligible?

The grant is available to both registered commercial and hobbyist beekeepers in Ontario who are aiming to maintain healthy honey bee colonies and improve the sustainability of the beekeeping industry. Commercial beekeepers can receive up to $25,000, while hobbyist beekeepers can receive up to $4,500 in cost-share funding.

Who is not eligible

There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for the grant:

Companies that are not registered beekeepers in Ontario
Companies that do not meet the criteria outlined in the Honey Bee Health Initiative Program Guide

Eligible expenses

The Honey Bee Health Initiative is designed to assist beekeepers in Ontario by supporting projects that enhance operational efficiency and ensure colony sustainability. These activities target reduced biosecurity risks, enhanced hive health management, and the introduction of resilient bee stock.

Operational improvements to reduce biosecurity risks and overwintering losses.
Management or prevention of honey bee pests and diseases spread.
Purchase or modification of equipment or facilities for improved hive health management.
Adoption of best management practices to control pests and diseases.
Sampling and analysis for honey bee pests and diseases.
Purchase of new honey bee stock or queens with genetic diversity.

Eligible geographic areas

The available information does not specify particular eligible geographical areas for applying companies. Applicants should consult the program guide or contact the program administrators for further details.

Eligibility criteria of the Honey Bee Health Initiative program

The evaluation and selection criteria for the Honey Bee Health Initiative grant are based on specific activities and costs related to beekeeping operations.

Valid certificate of registration under the Bees Act for the current beekeeping season
Completion of a pest management course or beekeeping degree/diploma
Quotes/proposals for proposed activities and costs

How to apply to the Honey Bee Health Initiative program

Read Program Guide

Carefully read the Honey Bee Health Initiative Program Guide.
Review information on eligible activities, costs, and application documentation requirements.

Create OSCIA Portal Account

Create an account on the OSCIA Portal to access the application process.
Complete the Enrolment Form after creating your account.

Prepare Application

Fill the Application Form with required details.
Gather necessary documentation, including valid certificate of registration as per the Bees Act for the current season.
Provide proof of having completed a relevant pest management course or a diploma/degree in beekeeping within the specified time frame.
Obtain quotes or proposals for all proposed activities to support your cost calculations.

Submit Application

Submit your complete application electronically through the OSCIA Portal.
Ensure all required documents are included with your submission.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The intake period for the grant applications opens on September 15, 2023, at 9am ET and closes on April 12, 2024, at 5pm. It will reopen on June 3, 2024, at 9am if funding permits.
The funding is part of a larger $3.5-billion investment under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which includes a combination of federal, provincial, and territorial funds.
Cost-share funding is available up to a maximum of $25,000 per registered commercial beekeeper and $4,500 per registered hobbyist beekeeper, covering 50% of eligible costs.
The total program budget for this intake is subject to availability, and the intake will close when the available funding is fully allocated.
Beekeepers must join the OSCIA Programs mailing list to receive updates on the program and funding opportunities.
Applications require a detailed list of quotes or proposals for all proposed activities to justify the costs, along with a valid Bees Act registration certificate.

Contact Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA)

s-cap@ontariosoilcrop.org

519-826-4214

Apply to this program

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