Honey Bee Health Initiative

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.

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?

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.

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

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.