Change Helps Beekeepers, Farmers

A change to the Bee Industry Act will help beekeepers safely import bees to pollinate fruit and berry crops, which helps farmers create jobs, and run successful businesses in rural Nova Scotia.

"Berry and fruit growers have told us they need more bees to pollinate their crops," said Agriculture Minister John MacDonell. "Our Pollination Expansion Program is helping, but it will take time and may not fully meet demand. We may need to import bees as well, and that means doing more inspections."

The Department of Agriculture allows beekeepers to import hives under strict controls. Imported hives are inspected to ensure the bees are healthy. Any with pests are sent back.

The change will give the department the ability to charge fees to cover the cost of inspecting imported hives. Recovering the cost will make the service sustainable for beekeepers and farmers, and help ensure Nova Scotia bees remain healthy.