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Queen Renewal Program (2012-2013)

April 1, 2012

Purpose:

The purpose of the Queen Renewal Program is to improve queen vigour, as well as enhance the genetic resistance and hygienic behaviour of PEI honey bees. Improved genetic material will position beekeepers to better withstand the potential introduction of honey bee tracheal mites (HBTM) and other pests/diseases with the ultimate goal of increasing pollination services to the blueberry sector. The Program also encourages the expansion of hive numbers by supporting the importation of queens from approved sources.

Eligibility:

Any resident beekeeper in Prince Edward Island is eligible for funding under the Program. Preference will be given to those beekeepers who intend to provide pollination services to the PEI blueberry industry.

Funding Levels:

Capped Queen Cells:
Eligible beekeepers may qualify for a grant up to 50% of the total cost to a maximum of $6.00 per capped queen cell. Transportation costs are not an eligible expense.

Queens:
Eligible beekeepers may qualify for a grant up to 50% of the total cost to a maximum of $12.00 per honey bee queen. Transportation costs are not an eligible expense.

Any one beekeeping operation will be limited to 1,000 queens and/or queen cells per fiscal year. Once applicants have been pre-approved, the Department will reimburse the applicant after submission of invoice and proof of payment.

Funding Requirements:

  1. Applicants must apply for an Importation Permit through the PEI Department of Agriculture & Forestry. Originating apiary must be pre-approved by the Department.
  2. Applicants must describe the anticipated genetic characteristics to be transferred to the operation.
  3. Applicants may be required to submit periodic progress reports to the Department outlining general success of the introduction.
  4. Applicants must allow the Department of Agriculture & Forestry staff and its representatives access to hives for periodic sample collection and/or inspection.
  5. Funding is subject to successful completion of all funding requirements by the applicant in previous years.
  6. Beekeepers will be required to track queen survival at 14 and 21 days after introduction.

Application Deadline: June 30, 2012.

Funding Allocation and Time lines:

Subject to the annual budget approval, the PEI Department of Agriculture & Forestry will provide funding for the Queen Renewal Program in the amount of $30,000 annually.

Administration:
Additional information may be obtained from:
Chris Jordan, Program Manager
PEI Department of Agriculture & Forestry
PO Box 2000.
Charlottetown, PE, C1A 7N8
Phone: (902) 314-0816
Fax: (902) 368-5729
Email: cwjordan@gov.pe.ca

Termination:

  1. This program may be amended or discontinued at any time at the discretion of the Minister of Agriculture & Forestry for Prince Edward Island.
  2. This program will terminate on March 31, 2013, unless renewed by the Minister of Agriculture & Forestry on or before that date.

Forms

Queen Renewal Program ( 2012-2013)
  (PDF)     

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