"Comparing a five-year timeframe from 2012 to 2017, beekeepers were losing about 18% of their colonies, and currently they're losing on average about 40%. These trends are not isolated to Alberta, noting similar pressures across North America driven by disease, weather, and management challenges."
"Replacing lost colonies can cost hundreds of dollars per hive, quickly adding up to millions for large operations, while also reducing honey production and revenue. Canadian producers often require $2 to $2.50 per pound to break even, while imported honey can land for less than half that."
"Anybody who eats should care about bees... bees pollinate about three quarters of all crop species. From fruits and vegetables to forage crops supporting livestock, pollinators are tightly linked to food production systems."
"Improving bee health means better integrating how crops, landscapes, and pollinators function together. Solutions will require coordination across the ag sector—from research and pest management tools to crop breeding and policy alignment."
Canada's beekeeping sector faces rising colony losses, with beekeepers losing an average of 40% of their colonies compared to 18% from 2012 to 2017. This trend is not limited to Alberta, as similar challenges are observed across North America due to disease, weather, and management issues. The economic impact is severe, with costs for replacing colonies and reduced honey production. Pollinators are crucial for food production, pollinating three-quarters of crop species. Solutions require coordination across the agricultural sector to improve bee health and integrate crop and pollinator management.
Read at Realagriculture
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