Open
Honey Bee Health Initiative
Funding for beekeepers in Ontario
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 25,000
Timeline
- Open Date : June 3, 2024
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 25,000 $
- Up to 60% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : June 3, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
Next steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
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.
Eligibility
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.
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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Honey Bee Health Initiative Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Honey Bee Health Initiative. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Honey Bee Health Initiative?
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.
How much funding can be received?
Honey Bee Health Initiative Funds up to 60% of admissible expenses, capped at $25,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Honey Bee Health Initiative program?
To be eligible for the Honey Bee Health Initiative program, you must:
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.
What expenses are eligible under Honey Bee Health Initiative?
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the Honey Bee Health Initiative?
You can contact Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) by email at s-cap@ontariosoilcrop.org or by phone at 519-826-4214.
Where is the Honey Bee Health Initiative available?
The Honey Bee Health Initiative program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Honey Bee Health Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Honey Bee Health Initiative is a Grant and Funding
More programs like this
Expanded Energy Management ProgramMax $250,00050%
FedNor — Regional Tariff Response InitiativeMax $1,000,00050%
Food Safety and Growth InitiativeMax $75,00050%- Instant Discounts ProgramMax $140
- Retrofit ProgramMax $250,00050%
