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By: Rod Scarlett
Whereas the ultimate overwintering losses for Canada weren’t superb, the priority stays about what occurs subsequent yr. There are lots of questions as to what brought about the large loss in numbers – was it resistance points, viruses brought on by varroa, climate points, dietary points, administration issues, a mixture of those or one thing else fully. Not figuring out precisely the trigger signifies that excessive losses may be an ongoing downside and never only a one-off. Attempting to organize for subsequent yr has resulted in planning for each short-term and long-term options primarily based on a myriad of prospects.
Actually, one of many extra controversial options has been the decision to permit for packaged bees from United States, particularly from northern California. In response to the query as to inventory well being, the CFIA issued the next:
In line with its dedication to work with trade, stakeholders and academia, and its mandate to stop the introduction of animal ailments into Canada, the Canadian Meals Inspection Company (CFIA) is issuing an official name for any new, documented scientific knowledge/data (since 2014) concerning honey bee well being in the USA and Canada. The CFIA is issuing this name to assist decide if there may be ample scientific proof to warrant a re-evaluation of the dangers related to the importation of U.S. honey bee packages… The deadline for submission of scientific knowledge/data is September fifth, 2022.
Importing packaged bees from the U.S. is one choice, however not the one one. The CFIA is finishing danger assessments for importing packages from each Italy and Ukraine. In fact, the present scenario in Ukraine complicates issues however the two nations symbolize new choices and mixed with New Zealand, Australia and Chile, they may realistically provide all Canada’s calls for for bees. Then there may be the matter of accelerating home provide. There’s enormous alternative for the event of a much more dynamic nuc trade. Mix this with improved inside particular person inventory alternative methods and the reliance on imported inventory may simply be decreased. However that is possible a extra long-term purpose, a purpose that can actually have a optimistic influence on most enterprises.
One space that wants specific consideration, nevertheless, is the pollination sector. Whereas the first goal is to decrease overwintering losses, due to timing, it’s obvious that presently, importing inventory is the one viable choice for inventory alternative. This yr confirmed how precarious the connection is between those that want pollination companies and those that provide pollinators. Because the demand for pollination companies grows (and it grows in these areas that don’t have huge numbers of colonies) the beekeeping trade goes to need to adapt and discover revolutionary methods to satisfy the demand. Shifting bees throughout Canada is a considerably totally different problem than that of our U.S. counterparts. We should discover a technique to meet the pollination wants throughout Canada or a inventory alternative technique could also be imposed whether or not beekeepers prefer it or not.
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