Province looking to increase bee population for pollination

The province of Prince Edward Island is looking for a few good beekeepers to expand the Island's bee population and increase pollination through a new program.

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The Pollination Expansion Program wouldassist with the purchase of new hives for existing beekeepers and for those looking to get into the industry.

Right now, there are46 beekeepers on the Island responsible for about 6,300 hives.

"We are looking at having a more diverse agricultural crop sector here in P.E.I., so some of the crops that we're seeing that are increasing do have a requirement of pollination," saidSebastianIbarra, an agri-environmentalspecialist with the province.

"We're hoping that with increasing the pollination capacity, those crops will have access to the bees needed to pollinate them," he said.

Hives cost$300 to $600

Under the program, the province would help pay for new hives, bees and frames as well as fundingeducation required for new beekeepers.

"One hive could cost anywhere between $300 to $600 depending on where you get your equipment and your bees," explained Ibarra.

"Some of these crops wouldn't produce fruit if they weren't visited by bees, so that's why they're essential. They are vital," he added.

There arerequirements to be considered for the program beekeepers must be19 orolder and must provide colonies for wild blueberries or other fruit crops. They must alsohave a minimum of five years of beekeeping experience, be employed by a beekeeper for at least five yearsor be enrolled in a commercial beekeeping course.

'What the risks are'

Applicants needto submit an expansion plan for their operation outlining the number of currentand proposed new hives.

If the applicant is a new beekeeper, they have to show how they would get the required experience.

Where the additional bees and hives will come from still hasn't beendetermined.

The province is looking at the risks of importing bees from other provinces before the program takes flight, Ibarrasaid.

"There's certain pests that can affect negatively the industry, and we're looking at where those pests are, and what is the risk of establishment and exposure before we make a decision," he said.

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