News release

Buzzworthy Funding Program Helps Blueberry Growers ‘Bee’ Successful

Agriculture

The government is investing an additional $100,000 in the Blueberry Pollination Expansion Program to support blueberry growers who keep bees to pollinate their crops.

“Beekeepers’ pollination services are essential to the production of blueberries and other crops in Nova Scotia. To grow more blueberries, we need more bees to pollinate the plants – it’s that simple,” said Greg Morrow, Minister of Agriculture. “These additional funds help address a need and encourage growers to invest in keeping more hives.”

Blueberry growers may apply for funding to expand the number of hives they keep or purchase equipment to improve efficiency in their bee operations.

The program is one of 14 Canadian Agricultural Partnership programs now accepting applications for 2022. The partnership is a five-year federal-provincial-territorial cost-shared initiative that supports farmers and agri-businesses. In Nova Scotia, the annual investment is $7.4 million.

Quotes:

“Many indigenous bee species already contribute to wild blueberry pollination – but there aren’t enough to allow for dramatic growth in the sector. Many beekeepers rent their hives to provide pollination service, but demand is growing. This funding will allow more growers to maintain their own hives for pollination.”

– Jason Sproule, Provincial Apiculturist, Department of Agriculture

“The wild blueberry industry appreciates the support of the Department of Agriculture to help expand the commercial pollination industry in Nova Scotia. To support the continuous growth of the wild blueberry industry, it is critical that the pollination industry grows with us in a sustainable and vibrant way.”

– Peter Swinkels, President, Wild Blueberry Producers Association of Nova Scotia

“This program will allow for much-needed funds to assist our beekeepers to grow and expand and continue to meet Nova Scotia’s growing need for pollination services.”

– Tyler Hobbs, President, Beekeepers Association of Nova Scotia

Quick Facts:

  • this is the second year for the Blueberry Pollination Expansion Program, and it now has a budget of $350,000
  • successful applicants are eligible for up to $100 per hive to cover beehive expenses and up to $50,000 for efficiency improvements between April 1 and December 31
  • eligible applicants must generate an annual eligible bee and/or blueberry-related gross commodity income of $30,000, be registered under the Bee Industry Act and be a member in good standing of the Nova Scotia Beekeepers Association
  • Nova Scotia has about 700 blueberry farms
  • Nova Scotia blueberry growers sold more than 22 million kilograms (49 million pounds) of blueberries in 2021, generating revenue of $39.2 million

Additional Resources:

Blueberry Pollination Expansion Program: https://novascotia.ca/programs/Blueberry-Pollination-Expansion/

Nova Scotia Beekeepers Association: https://nsbeekeepers.ca/

Wild Blueberry Producers Association of Nova Scotia: https://nswildblueberries.com/