The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources, is introducing legislation in the House of Assembly today to enable mandatory registration and inspection of all beekeeping operations to help ensure Newfoundland and Labrador’s world-class honey bee population remains parasite-free.
Minister Byrne also announced an investment of $300,000 for training and supports for the beekeeping industry, in partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Beekeeping Association (NLBKA). Consultations have been held between the Provincial Government and the NLBKA to discuss changes in the current legislation. The NLBKA is in full support of mandatory registration and inspections of beekeeping operations.
The status of honey bees is unique here, with the province being one of the last places in the world that does not have Varroa mite (Varroa destructor), known to decimate honeybee populations. Varroa mites also transmit honey bee viruses and other pathogens that further weaken or ultimately kill entire colonies. In addition to being free of Varroa, our honey bee colonies are free of other invasive pests such as Small Hive Beetle, Honeybee Tracheal Mite, and Greater Wax Moth.
The province’s pest and disease-free status is an important selling point for Newfoundland and Labrador-based bee products. There are approximately 130 beekeepers in the province, and between 800 and 900 bee colonies. By assisting with the pollination of plants, bees play an essential role in both the natural environment and agriculture.
Quote
“Having mandatory registration and inspection of beekeeping operations demonstrates our continuing commitment to develop agriculture and increase food self-sufficiency in Newfoundland and Labrador. By maintaining vigilance and good animal husbandry practices, beekeepers in Newfoundland and Labrador have been successfully keeping the Varroa mite from our shores. This proposed change in legislation allows us to take decisive action to better protect our valued parasite-free honey bee health status and develop our growing apiculture sector further still.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources
– 30 –
Learn more
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @FLR_GovNL
Media contact
Linda Skinner
Fisheries and Land Resources
709-637-2284, 632-8167
lindaskinner@gov.nl.ca