Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists 2006/07 Business Meeting Agenda

CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF

PROFESSIONAL APICULTURISTS L' ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE DES PROFESSIONELS DE L' APICULTURE

Proceedings 2007

LANGLEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA JANUARY 2007

CAPA PROCEEDINGS 2007

CONTENTS AGENDA

MINUTES President's Report ...... 5 CHC Report ...... 7 Financial Report ...... 10 Chemicals Committee Report ...... 11 Import Committee Report ...... 13 AIA Report...... 15 CAPA Publications Report ...... 17 New Publication Report ...... 18 Non-Apis Report ...... 19 Communications Committee Report ...... 19 CBRF Report ...... 21 Awards Committee...... 22 Archives Committee ...... 23 Budget 2007 ...... 23 New Business ...... 24

PROVINCIAL APIARISTS REPORTS Provincial Reports, 2006 Production Season...... 26 British Columbia...... 27 Alberta ...... 28 Saskatchewan...... 30 Manitoba ...... 31 Ontario...... 33 Québec ...... 39 New Brunswick ...... 40 Nova Scotia...... 41 Prince Edward Island...... 42

PROVINCIAL RESEARCH REPORTS Alberta...... 43 Saskatchewan...... 46 Manitoba ...... 47 Ontario...... 49 Quebec ...... 53

APPENDIX I Research Workshop 2007...... 56

APPENDIX II AIA Minutes...... 82 AAPA Minutes...... 90

BYLAWS BYLAWS...... 93

EXECUTIVE/COMMITTEES/MEMBERSHIP 2007 Executive & Committees...... 95 2007 MEMBERSHIP LIST ...... 96

Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists 2006/07 Business Meeting Agenda

Langley, British Columbia

January 24 & 25, 2007

WEDNESDAY – JANUARY 24 th (8:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.)

Welcome and Introductions - Steve Pernal

CAPA President’s Report - Steve Pernal

CHC Report - Ed Nowek, Heather Clay

CAPA Agenda - Steve Pernal

Minutes of Last Meeting - Rhéal Lafrenière

Financial Report for 2006 - Rhéal Lafrenière

Chemical Report - John Gruszka

Importation Report - Medhat Nasr

Provincial Reports - Provincial Apiarists

AAPA/AIA Report - Jerry Hayes

CAPA Publication Report - Rhéal Lafrenière

Non-Apis Report - Kenna MacKenzie

New Disease Publication Report - Steve Pernal

Communication Report - Rob Currie

CBRF Report - Rob Currie

Awards Report - Alison Skinner

Archive Report - Heather Higo

RESEARCH REVIEW & STRATEGIC PLANNING MEETING – (1:30 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.)

OPEN MEETING: GOVT REPORTS - (7:30 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.)

PMRA - Pesticide Registration - Kurt Randall

CFIA – Honey Bee Importation - Maria Perrone

CFIA - Honey Program - Debbie Fishbein

THURSDAY- JANUARY 25 th (7:00 A.M. - 9:00 A.M)

Budget 2007 - Rhéal Lafrenière

Committees and Executive - Steve Pernal

New Business - Steve Pernal

CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL APICULTURISTS ANNUAL MEETING LANGLEY BC JANUARY 24-25, 2006

MINUTES

Members present C. Boucher, K Clark, R. Currie, J. Gruszka, E. Guzman, H. Higo, C. Hooper, C. Jordan, R. Lafrenière, C. Maund, K. MacKenzie, D. McRory, J. Moran, M. Nasr, S. Pernal, A. Skinner, N. Tremblay, P. van Westendorp

Guests & Speakers H. Clay, E. Nowek, Canadian Honey Council, J. Hayes, Apiary Inspectors of America, C. Hooper, PMRA (for K. Randell).

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY President S. Pernal. S. Pernal welcomed everyone to Langley B.C. and the CAPA and CHC joint morning session. He noted that with the Research Review this year there is a lot of material to go through in about half the normal time. A round-table of introduction was conducted.

President's Report Steve Pernal

I would like to welcome you all to Langley in beautiful British Columbia for the 49 th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists.

I am honoured to have served in my first year as President of CAPA, the 15 th person to serve as the head of this enviable organization. During the last 12 months I have had a steep learning curve and would like to thank the other members of the executive, Past-President Rob Currie and Vice- President Rhéal Lafrenière for their guidance with many issues. This year, Rhéal has also served as our Secretary/Treasurer, and after six years in this position will relinquish the reigns to Joanne Moran at the conclusion of this meeting. We all offer Joanne encouragement in her new role and thank Rhéal for his extended service in this vital capacity. I also felt the support of all CAPA members who contributed of their valuable time and knowledge to fulfill the goals of our organization and the many requests made of it. Like honey bees, we must strive to function as a “superorganism” integrating the efforts of many individuals into the functioning of a single, adaptive social unit.

This year’s business meeting will be somewhat abbreviated in order to accommodate the 8 th National Research-Planning Workshop for Honey Bee and Pollination Research. The last workshop took place in 2001 in Moncton, NB, under the leadership of Rob Currie. This year’s workshop is being organized by Paul van Westendorp, chair of the research committee, with the assistance of former chair, Cynthia Scott-Dupree. I recognize the recent efforts of all individuals that have provided research and extension information in preparation for the workshop. Although some reticence was expressed in 2006 as to whether the workshop was to take place at all, I am

convinced that the information compiled and the direction set for apicultural research will be of tangible benefit in future years. Moreover, with changes in apicultural funding taking place with creation of provincial commissions, the workshop may provide valuable strategies to best utilize funds becoming available on a more regional basis. I urge all to participate fully and for us as an organization to produce a document that may be used to help justify increases in research funding and the replacement of positions already lost or slated for retirement in the near future.

As usual, there were no dull moments in apiculture in Canada again in 2006. One of the highlights was the discovery of a single adult small hive beetle (SHB) on 24 May 2006 in a research apiary at AAFC Beaverlodge. This was the second discovery of this pest in Canada, the first occurring in Manitoba in 2002 when SHB was imported with unprocessed wax from Texas. The colony in which the beetle was discovered in 2006 was founded from Australian package bees. Subsequent efforts from CAPA members and colleagues at USDA ARS Beltsville confirmed that the beetle was genetically similar to Australian haplotypes and not haplotypes found in the U.S. This was also true for two other specimens collected from beekeeping operations in Alberta and one in Manitoba that also utilized Australian packages. CAPA’s import committee has been asked for advice from CFIA on how to mitigate future importation of small hive beetle. These consultations are ongoing.

CAPA’s import committee was also asked to provide CFIA with recommendations concerning the proposed importation of honey bee queens from Chile and the importation of unprocessed beeswax from countries having endemic populations of SHB. These responses were carefully considered by all members of the committee and a written response was provided to CFIA early in 2007. I wish to thank the import committee for their scrutiny of these issues.

Two major efforts are still ongoing within our association which will promote CAPA and the dissemination of apicultural knowledge around the world. The first is continued improvement of our website, www.capabees.ca . Adony Melathopoulos and members of the communications committee have taken on the task of redeveloping the website, to improve the look of the pages and convert it to a content management system, which will facilitate the ease by which members can update information. The work on the website has been subcontracted through Rudy Gelderblom who is responsible for the CHC website. We all look forward to a new-look website with much added content within the next few months.

The second major effort underway by our association is the production of the 3 rd edition of Honey Bee Diseases & Pests. In 2006, additional revised sections were submitted to the editor, though some remain outstanding. Though a core of revised material and images has now been assembled, a final “push” is really needed to capture what is remaining and for the revised disease manual to be assembled for printing. I welcome ideas on how we might accelerate this process or any volunteers who may wish to write or provide editorial assistance.

This year also saw several CAPA members volunteer to review chapters for the 2008 version of the OIE Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals. Chapters on varroa, tracheal mites, small hive beetle and AFB were reviewed by Pierre Giovenazzo, Cynthia Scott- Dupree, Rhéal Lafrenière and myself. Several people volunteered to take on these reviews for which I am grateful; I will keep you all in mind as there are likely to be additional bee-related chapters to review in 2007.

On March 30, 2006 CAPA lost one of its honourary and founding members when Reginald (Reg) Shuel passed away at the age of 86. Reg was raised in Essex, ON, graduated from OAC in 1941

and obtained a Ph.D. at Ohio State. In 1950, he returned to the University of Guelph as a professor in the Apiculture Department and retired in 1985. Reg was a fixture in Canadian apicultural research and was an authority on nectar secretion. Rest in peace, our friend.

This meeting also marks an occasion to formally recognize the most recent recipient of the CAPA Outstanding Service Award, Dr. Mark Winston, of Simon Fraser University. CAPA conferred this award at the 2006 meeting in Quebec City and decided it would be presented to Mark in Langley this year. We all look forward to honouring such a deserving recipient at the Friday evening banquet, and perhaps roasting him a bit too!

We have a very full agenda ahead of us this meeting. I hope your time in Langley is enjoyable and productive. Thank you all for your efforts.

Motion: Moved by R Currie and seconded by K. MacKenzie to accept the President's report as presented CARRIED

CHC Report Heather Clay and Ed Nowek

Anti Dumping The low price of honey in 2006 put pressure the Canadian Honey Council to act on beekeeper’s behalf and pursue the possibility of lodging a dumping complaint against imported honey. A great deal of time and effort was spent in procuring the necessary information for the complaint. We not only had to prove injury to our industry across Canada but also had to prove that the price of imported honey was below their cost of production. At the same time we had to raise money to pay for the legal costs. Many beekeepers contributed to the campaign and we were able to hire the services of an international trade lawyer. From January to July we monitored the imported honey and during that period there was no importation of Chinese honey. The lawyer advised that the timing was not good and we should continue to monitor the situation. Should importations resume and reach an unacceptable level we are well prepared to act quickly and lodge an official complaint.

Promotion The directors recognized that anti dumping action is not the only answer to low prices and the CHC embarked on an ambitious project to promote the superior quality of Canadian honey. Winnipeg was chosen as a test market for a promotion campaign. A new mascot, Pierre the Bear, appeared at several fall fairs and was popular with adults and children. From October to December radio ads were run and billboards featuring the new logo with a cartoon of our mascot were displayed around the city. A consumer survey was conducted by Probe Research before and after the promotion campaign. The results showed that consumer awareness of the billboards and Canadian honey increased over the period of the campaign. The CHC has also produced a brochure to raise awareness of the benefits of Canadian honey. It will be distributed in bulk from the CHC to producers and associations.

Labelling Canada Number one as a grade name for labelling imported or blended Canadian honey has been a concern for Canadian beekeepers for many years. We have pursued changes to the labelling

7 regulations for many years. In 2006 the CHC invited stakeholders to a facilitated meeting in Calgary to discuss labelling issues. There was consensus on many issues including the use of the term pasteurized. Three of the packers who are not dependent on Canadian honey did not agree to changes on position or size or grade name. The CFIA responded by holding their own consumer focus groups. The outcome has been that the CFIA is recommending changes to the label regarding the grade name and term pasteurized. There is still work to be done on the use of the name “honey” for products that contain little or no honey and the CHC will pursue that issue in the coming year.

C-BISQT The CHC has undertaken an on farm food safety program in the past. A great deal of work has been completed and the Canadian Bee Industry Safety Quality and Traceability (C-BISQT) team has developed a draft good production practices manual. This project was placed on hold during 2006 because of the anti dumping work. It is anticipated that C-BISQT project will be pursued in 2007.

Oxalic Acid The Pest Management Regulatory Agency approved the CHC’s application for use of oxalic acid dihydrate in the treatment of varroa mites. Beekeepers can legally use the product because of the hard work of the CHC in preparing the necessary documentation and payment of the costs involved.

Coumaphos The CHC in co-operation with Medhat Nasr applied for Emergency Use Registration of coumaphos (CheckMite +) in 2006 on behalf of all provinces for treatment of varroa mites. This meant that only one national application for registration was required and beekeeper associations were saved the cost of individual applications. A second application was submitted for EUR of CheckMite for Small Hive Beetle. It is expected that CheckMite will be registered in 2007 and there will no longer be a requirement for EUR for varroa mites. However there may be a need for an EUR request for small hive beetle until Bayer receives permission to add it to the current label.

Forging a New Direction The current setup of CHC with one staff member and voluntary membership and no stable funding does not allow us to meet emerging issues. We have done a good job in responding to the many critical issues affecting the beekeeping industry but it the situation is unsustainable. In October 2006 we received funding from Agriculture Agri-Food Canada through their Advancing Canadian Agriculture Agri-Food fund to assist the CHC in Forging a New Direction. Work has commenced and there are four working committees are taking a look at the future purpose and roles of the CHC and the national office, our membership and representation, future budgets and funding sources, and our conferences. This year will be one of the most exciting in the CHC's history, as the results of the committee's work are brought to members for discussion. Information will be posted on our website so everyone can see the progress we are making toward becoming a stronger national voice for the Canadian honeybee industry.

CAPA Agenda D. McRory requested to speak during the Chemical Report.

Motion: Moved by A. Skinner and seconded by P. van Westendorp to accept the agenda with the addition of D. McRory’s request to speak. CARRIED

MINUTES of LAST MEETING

Motion: Moved by D. McRory and seconded by M. Nasr the adoption of the minutes from the last meeting as circulated. CARRIED

FINANCIAL Report for 2006 R. Lafrenière circulated the 2006 Financial Statements CAPA 2006 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Opening balance (01/01/06) 8,332.65

Jan. 01, 2006 – Dec. 31,2006 ______REVENUE $ 2006 Membership (30 for 2006 + 10 for 2005 + 6 for 2004) 37 Full @ $ 40 1,480.00 9 Assoc @ $ 20 182.55 2005 Meeting registration (Quebec) 16 @ 53.50 856.00 Publication sales (1726 units) 4,590.74 GIC 23,292.03 GST Bank Account interest 0.01

30,401.33 38,733.98 EXPENDITURES Proceedings (2004 + 2005) Printing 563.74 Mailing 93.54 Publications reprint (2,190 copies) 6,085.09 S/H charges 910.71 Relocating French pubs 329.73 IBRA donation (2006) 500.00 Awards Student award (Hoover) 500.00 Merit award 11.40 Past President Certificate 22.80 CAPA website (Adony) 119.59 Misc. (cards, postage) 20.78 Cheque books 55.39 GST 84.58 Meeting 424.90 GIC investment 23,290.42 New Publication Bank Charges 61.44___ 33,074.11 33,074.11 Closing Balance (31/12/06) 5,659.87

EQUITY

GIC TD GIC $ 20,290.42 3.55% 1 year 720.31 21,010.73 TD GIC (MM) $ 3,000.00 3.25 1 yr redeemable 97.50 3,097.50

Bank account 5,659.87 TOTAL 29,768.10

Motion: Moved by R. Currie and seconded by J. Gruszka to accept the Financial Report as presented. CARRIED

Motion: Moved by R. Lafrenière, seconded by J. Gruszka that the registration fee for the CAPA business meeting be set at $50 + GST($ 3.00) and that membership fees for 2007 remain the same as the previous year (i.e. $40 for Full membership and $20 for associate membership). CARRIED

Budget Committee S. Pernal, R. Lafrenière and J. Moran to prepare the 2007 proposed budget for presentation tomorrow morning.

Chemicals Committee Report John Gruszka

1. Committee Members

John Gruszka (Chair), Doug McRory, Claude Boucher, Rheal Lafreniere, Medhat Nasr, Alison Skinner and Steve Pernal.

2. Registration of Tylosin and Lincomycin

Tylan is not yet registered for use with honey bees in Canada. Elanco has decided to commence this process after the research conducted by Dr. Pernal during the summer of 2006 (efficacy and residues of pollen patty applications) is completed and a report submitted. This should be ready in the near future.

3. Emergency Registration of Coumaphos

Bayer has made its submission for full registration of CheckMite+ and is awaiting review by PMRA. A decision is awaited.

With the discovery of the Small Hive Beetle, Dr. Nasr submitted an application in July, 2006 (on behalf of Alta., Man., B.C., N.S., P.E.I.) for an emergency use permit to use CheckMite+ for detection and control of the Small Hive Beetle in the fall of 2006 (until Dec.31 st ). This was granted.

Dr. Nasr has again coordinated a national request to PMRA for the emergency use of CheckMite+ for the 2007 crop year to control Apistan resistant Varroa (which continues to spread in most jurisdictions in Canada) and for detection and control of the Small Hive Beetle in all provinces except Ontario and Quebec.

4. New Varroa control product announced

Wellmark International, the makers of Apistan, has announced that they have developed a new product named Hivastan, for the control of Varroa mites. The product has been in development

and testing for several years and has a Section 18 exemption in several states in the USA for use in 2006. The following information was provided by Les Goczan of Wellmark International:

Hivastan is a next generation varroa control product, contains a true acaracide which is mite specific with a narrow spectrum of activity. Active against Varroa destructor. Activity against tracheal mites is unknown.

The active ingredient in Hivastan is Fenpyroximate (chemical classification is pyrazol). Mode of action is different than currently available products. It is a metabolic inhibitor (different mode of action than fluvalinate and coumaphos). Primary action is by contact. Rat oral LD50 for the technical fenpyroximate is 480 mg/kg. It is not carcinogenic, teratogenic, or mutagenic, and has established food tolerances.

Application: Hivastan is a ready to use product. In manufacturing, fenpyroximate is added to a proprietary mixture creating a viscous formulation. The resulting formulation is basically a patty when applied to the bee colony. The patty formulation is applied to the top of the frames. The patty is intended to be applied in the spring or fall (no honey flow). Typical residual period is 6 weeks. Patty is formulated so that the bees will actively remove it from the colony.

Packaging: Initially in the US it will be available in bulk (plastic bucket). Target is to have one bucket dose 50 hives. Beekeepers will be provided a unit dose scoop and spatula for ease of application.

Efficacy trials (several large trials) have been conducted with the help of the USDA and in cooperation with commercial beekeepers. Trials have been conducted in Weslaco, Pearsall, Texas and in the central valley of California. Good and consistent efficacy achieved in all trials.

Pricing is slated to be comparable with other currently available Varroa products.

The product is expected to be available for fall 2006 applications in the USA and the company is hoping to obtain registration for use in Canada for 2007.

Discussion: - It is expected that the full registration for CheckMite+ will take place February 15. If this does not happen the use of CheckMite+ under emergency registration will be put in place for another year. The full registration will be for both Varroa and SHB. - Hivastan – vegetable shortening patty is the proposed delivery system. Issues need to be looked at regarding the delivery system, testing required on effect on queens, drone sperm, residue in wax. - Ozone use was discussed as a possible method to eliminate residues of coumaphous and fluvalinate. It is used with potatoes. - Bayvarol – in the US field trials and the Pettis test the finding is it is effective, high 90’s for efficacy. - Thymol – the question was asked of PMRA if they have had requests for registration of Thymol. In 2005 and 2006 there have been questions asked of PMRA concerning the product. Two consultations took place in 2006. - PMRA is encouraged to contact John Gruszka as head of the Chemical Committee if needed. - Doug McRory reviewed the portion of the results from the Ontario Honey Sampling Program that dealt with the presence of residues of Sulfonamides in honey. In 274 samples, there were samples where sulfonamides were present, but in each case the beekeeper was clear that there was no used that could have lead to the residue. This raises the question on whether residues might be being picked up from the environment through other products used for animal health. Doug McRory raised the question whether we as a group should be looking at this? - The question was asked of PMRA if there are changes in the MRL’s for honey with the response that there is a draft in process. - Steve Pernal again told PMRA that there is expertise within CAPA and please contact CAPA if they have questions.

Motion: Moved by R. Currie and seconded by K. MacKenzie to accept the Chemical Report as presented. CARRIED

Import Committee Report Medhat Nasr

Committee Members: Medhat Nasr (Chair),Doug McRory, Rob Currie, John Gruszka, Chris Maund, Ernesto Guzman, Alison Skinner

The 2006 year was an interesting year. The following import issues have bee dealt with: ● In 2006, the small hive beetle was found in bee colonies started from imported package bees from Australia in 2005 and 2006. A general survey was conducted in Alberta and Manitoba. In Alberta, six operations had small hive beetles. One of these operations is from British Colombia and operated bees in Alberta for pollination and honey production. In Manitoba one operation had the small hive beetle. The finding of the beetles was reported to the CFIA. DNA testing proved that these beetles originated from Australia. At this time, the import conditions of bees from Australia are under review.

● Import committee members and the Provincial Apiculturists reviewed the import conditions of queens from Chile proposed by the CFIA. The conditions as stated were acceptable. CAPA expressed to the CFIA to be diligent in ensuring that there is a reliable and credible system in place to carry out the inspections necessary for determining the health status of apiaries for export. While evaluating the draft protocols, some CAPA members expressed the desire to develop more stringent sampling protocols to further minimize the risk of importation of undesirable pests from all exporting countries. CAPA is willing to assist in the development of new sampling protocols if the beekeeping industry and Provincial Apiculturists in Canada agree that a higher level of protection is desired. These conditions should also be applied across Canada and can be demanded from exporting countries.

● Import committee members and the Provincial Apiculturists reviewed the CFIA proposed import conditions for unprocessed beeswax from small hive beetle -infested countries. Recommendations were provided to improve the conditions in order to reduce the risk of introducing the small hive beetle (See below proposed conditions). CAPA import committee members and the Provincial Apiculturists supported the use of an import permit to enforce the proposed conditions for importing unprocessed beeswax into Canada.

● Beekeepers across Canada continued to get queens from the continental USA. There was high demand for queens in 2006, but suppliers were not able to supply the needed queens due to high demands in the local market in the USA. Shortage of queen supplies will continue in Canada. The import committee recommends that this issue should be discussed with the industry during the Research and Industry review session. Sustainability of the industry will depend on developing secure sources of queens to meet industry growth and demands.

Proposed Import Conditions for Unprocessed Beeswax from SHB-Infested Countries

CAPA recommends the following revisions to the to the currently listed import conditions: a. Proposed changes to current conditions:

Condition 1 : “Beeswax is imported from these areas only between October 1 and March 31 of each year. Domestic processing of imported beeswax must also occur within this period;”

Condition 2 : “During the previously specified period, if the outdoor ambient temperature in the region in which the unprocessed beeswax is being received or transported in Canada is greater than zero degrees Celsius, then all wax shipments must be frozen and shipped in refrigerated transports set to -20° C;”

Condition 4 : “All shipments of beeswax received in Canada must be stored in an enclosed, non-insulated, unheated building, where they will remain until such time when they can be processed. If the outdoor ambient air temperature is greater than zero degrees Celsius, drums of unprocessed beeswax must be opened in a room with double sets of doors and no windows (or windows fitted double-screens) to prevent accidental release of beetles to the outdoor environment. Any live adult or larval beetles will be incinerated or killed using approved methods of control.” b. CFIA will need to clearly define any role that provincial apiculturists may be needed to fulfill before the proposed changes to the import regulations for unprocessed beeswax are enacted. c. CAPA also recommends that CFIA allow issuing a multiple-entry permit from various locations within the exporting country for the specified period in the regulations. Thus, one permit per importer should be sufficient to facilitate the importation of unprocessed beeswax to a specified, approved processing facility.

Discussion: - Medhat Nasr thanked Maria Perrone representative from CFIA for her support throughout the year. - CFIA has at this time suspended importation of packages and queens from Australia. It is expected that within the next week or two queens will be allowed as long as import conditions are met (hand picked). - Representatives from Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta have been to Chile to access the situation for queen importation. A possible approach is to provide stock to Chile to expand the available genetic pool. Africanized bees are not an issue. The ability to produce volume would need to be developed. They do have a track record of getting into a product and following through to export. Inspection service may not be in place to survey bee disease status. - The Importation Committee to work with CFIA to develop a process to use the CFIA Dairy/Honey inspectors to inspect facilities for wax processing. - The regulations in place for Manitoba for the importation of beeswax will now be put in place across the country.

Motion: Moved by R. Currie and seconded by H. Higo to accept the Importation Committee Report as presented. CARRIED

Provincial Reports

Motion: Moved by R. Currie and seconded by P. van Westendorp that the Provincial Reports be accepted as circulated and reported in the minutes. CARRIED

AIA & AAPA Report Jerry Hayes

I am honored to be able to address this select group, CAPA. CAPA is looked to in the States as a leadership group for Beekeeping issues, research data and friendships in this small but fundamental agricultural industry. As President of AIA, the membership of this organization has instructed me to put forth a desire of AIA and AAPA to set up a stronger communication link. We would like CAPA to consider some mutual sharing of email addresses so that information of significance can be offered and shared broadly among the leaders of the Agriculture Industry in Canada and US. We are too small of an industry and CAPA/AAPA/AIA are too small within this niche industry to be insulated, isolated and parochial. We would appreciate CAPA discussing this opportunity and directing AIA/AAPA in how you would like to proceed.

My report from the AIA recent annual meeting in Phoenix, AZ follows:

1. The USDA continues to move a National Pest Survey forward. This survey is needed to fully assess honeybee pests, predators and diseases in the U.S. before requests from outside the US to export queens and packages into the US can be intelligently considered. Cost may be in the 10-12 million range. 2. The FDA has declined to work on the definition of "honey" lacking personnel and funds to work towards this end. 3. AHB ID protocols are being researched and improved to present to the USDA for adoption. 4. Varroa control: A. Hivastan being considered for Section 18 Emergency registration. B. Hygienic Queens are a prime varroa control feature. C. IPM Techniques are maturing.

* There may be enough chemical, mechanical and biological controls currently available to control Varroa. 5. NAPPC North American Pollination Protection Campaign has embraced honey bees a part of the Campaign.

CCD, Colony Collapse Disorder 1. Older bees disappear 2. Young bees left and brood 3. Young bees dwindle and disappear, brood die from neglect. 4. No dead bees on bottom boards or surrounding area. 5. SHB/wax moth reluctant to reproduce in dead colony 6. Communicable, transferrable 7. Thousands of colonies have died in multiple States. 8. Possible causes: A. Fungus B. Virus C. N. ceranae D. EFB E. AFB

F.yeasts G. Capensis H. in hive chemicals I. environmental toxins J. unidentified new pathogen K.? 9. No primary cause found as yet.

We encourage CAPA participation in surveying for this disorder. Clean comb seems to be a positive factor. Beekeepers are considering irradiation to treat combs. USDA/Logan Utah is working on an ozone treatment that mitigate biologicals and chemical contamination.

Thank you for your time, input and support of the Beekeeping Industry by allowing me to report to CAPA.

Jerry Hayes, President AIA

Discussion: - Hivastan – there is not enough data to make an intelligent decision regarding the impact on queens and drones. - The US does not have a definition for honey. This is needed because of the imported product coming into the country. - June 24 th is Pollinator Protection Week in the US. There is a need to join the World Pollinators Organization. - AAPA work on breeding hygienic queens. We have enough chemical controls available. There is residue and contamination in brood comb. We need to get beekeepers to replace comb. - AIA and AAPA meeting is in Sacramento in January 2008. CAPA has been invited to attend. - There are currently three lists AIA, AAPA and CAPA . A joint e-mail list be created for the communication of information among members of AIA, AAPA and CAPA

Motion: Moved by R. Currie and seconded by Doug McRory that a joint e-mail list be created from the AIA, AAPA and CAPA lists to facilitate the exchange of pertinent information for professional apiculturists for the US and Canada. CARRIED

The President of CAPA to contact the President of AAPA to establish this list.

CAPA Publications Report Rhéal Lafrenière

Honey Bee Diseases and Pests (2 nd Edition Revised)

Orders Filled in 2006 - English version

Invoice No. of # Date Purchaser publications Januray 5, 06-01 2006 Mann Lake Ltd 100 Januray 09, Nashville Area Beekeepers 06-02 2006 Assoc. 25 February 3, 06-03 2006 Dadant & Sons Inc 150 February 3, 06-04 2006 Brushy Mountain Bee Farm 80 06-05 March 3, 2006 Lloyd Gingras 12 March 22, 06-06 2006 Glorybee Food Inc 72 06-08 April 11, 2006 Charles Andros 307 06-09 April 18, 2006 Mann Lake Ltd 75 06-10 April 27, 2006 Fred Rossman 24 06-11 May 4, 2006 Medhat Nasr, AAFRD 20 U of Guelph Dept Env. 06-12 May 9, 2006 Biology 40 06-13 May 16, 2006 Ruhl Bee Supply 50 06-14 April 5, 2006 Medhat Nasr, AAFRD 50 August 1, 06-16 2006 Rick Rault 25 August 1, 06-17 2006 Dadant & Sons Inc 150 August 8, 06-18 2006 Brushy Mountain Bee Farm 25 September 8, 06-19 2006 Walter T. Kelley Co. 100 October 24, 06-20 2006 Lisa Knox 125 December 5, 06-21 2006 George Vritsios 1 December 18, 06-22 2006 Brushy Mountain Bee Farm 75

1506 Inventory remaining December 31, 2006 = 1200

Orders Filled in 2006 - French version

06-07 April 3, 2006 Peter Keating 200 06-15 June 7, 2006 France Desjardins, MAPAQ 10 06-15A June 8, 2006 France Desjardins, MAPAQ 10

220

1726

New Disease Publication Report 2006-07 Steve Pernal

Progress on Third Edition of CAPA Disease Publication

In 2006, further progress was made toward completion of the revision of the disease publication. During the year, the editor received three outstanding sections and revisions to two previously written sections. Contributions that have been received have been well written and have incorporated pertinent updated information. The editor was also pleased to receive a CD containing disease and abnormality images from Geoff Williams, graduate student of Dick Rogers.

Dick also indicated that he had many images available to potentially contribute. This will be a substantial help in rejuvenating the look of the revised publication.

Apart from revisions to some existing submissions, the following sections currently remain outstanding: 1. Introduction, 2. Honey Bee Development, 3. Control Techniques for Tracheal Mites, 4. Pesticide Translocation in Plants/ Symptoms of Poisoning/ Prevention of Poisoning, 5. Table of Diagnostics. The editor would appreciate volunteers to complete any of these sections and to provide editorial assistance.

Discussion: - Steve thanked Gard for producing the Tracheal section - Section 4 Pollination requires additional work. Cynthia provided coverage on some of the required material. Kenna MacKenzie will take on Section 4 Pesticide Translocation in Plants. Steve will send the material on to Kenna. - Rob said that he would take on Section 2. - Steve will complete Section 1. - Medhat to be responsible for Table of Diagnostics Section 5 - The handling of pesticides needs to be included in a section and cover such topics as use of strips, sprayers, safety of application, type of gloves, respirator cartridges, eye protection, importance of reading the label etc. Medhat will include this information in the IPM section with assistance from Alison Skinner.

- Alison Skinner offered to assist with editing. - Section 1 - Steve Pernal, Section 2- Rob Currie, Section 4 – Kenna Mackenzie, Section 5 – Medhat Nasr - Translation of the document into French will be done by Nicolas Tremblay and a Spanish version will be done by Ernesto Guzman.

Motion: Moved by R. Currie and seconded by H. Higo that all individuals with outstanding contributions for the new disease publication have material completed by March 31, 2007 CARRIED

Motion: Moved by R. Currie and seconded by H. Higo to accept the New Disease Publication Committee Report as presented. CARRIED

Non-Apis Pollinators Report Kenna MacKenzie

A number of activities around pollinators in Canada occurred in 2007/2008. The Canadian Pollinator Protection Initiative (CPPI) held its inaugural meeting in Ottawa January 18-19th, 2007 in partnership with the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign. This important meeting created a community of stakeholders whose interests include pollinators and the issues associated with them. Participants included government at the federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal levels; farming and agricultural organizations; industry involved with issues of pollination such as honey producers or fruit and seed crop producers; academia; researchers; museums; NGO’s; and gardening associations. It is hoped that this will become an active organization for pollinator, including honey bee, protection in Canada.

Peter Kevan, University of Guelph and Laurence Packer, York University are leading a NSERC Network group application on pollination.

Communications Committee Report Adony Melathopoulos

Committee Members: Adony Melathopoulos (Chair), Rob Currie, Cynthia Scott-Dupree, Rhéal Lafrenière, and Kenn Tuckey

In 2006 the Communications Committee began the process of redeveloping CAPABEES. The main goals of this redevelopment are to spruce up the look of the site’s pages and to build this new look on top of a content management system (CMS), which will make CAPABEES easier to update. Canadian Honey Council (CHC) had already upgraded to CMS a few years ago, so Andony met with Heather Clay to discuss her experiences with it. Heather’s experiences were positive. The discussions led to CHC offering to host and redevelop CAPABEES. The CHC offer was competitively priced and carried with it an opportunity to consolidate content presently offered by both sites, such as the database of apiculture professionals. The work on the website is

to be subcontracted through Rudy Gelderblom who is responsible for the CHC’s and Saskatchewan Beekeepers Association’s websites, as well as for the layout of Hivelights.

The Committee drafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CHC defining the project. Highlights of this MOU include: • CAPA agrees to pay $500 for redeveloping the first page and $50 for redeveloping each additional sub page, such that the total fee to be paid for the redevelopment of the existing CAPABEES website will be $750. • CAPA agrees to pay an annual fee of $500 for hosting CAPABEES, maintaining the domain registration, to cover redirect fees, provide site maintenance, monthly updates, email addresses and tech support. The fee includes some training of CAPA members to operate the CMS • Deadlines for completing the project, terms for terminating our hosting agreement and the rates to be charged for additional hours of work were also defined.

Heather has told the Committee that while CHC agrees to the MOU in principle, she is waiting to hear back from Rudy regarding the timeline for completing the project.

A working group consisting of Rob, Rhéal and Andony have begun working with Rudy on the page design. The attached is the latest version of the site design. A revised design is pending.

Our current hosting agreement expires on 11 Feburary 2007. Andony has made arrangements with Rudy to transfer the hosting to CHC by this time. The site may be periodically offline during this transition.

Rhéal received a number of requests regarding out-of-date information on CAPABEES in the past few months. We have responded that we are deferring all updates until the redevelopment is complete, which is anticipated to be within the next few months.

Thanks to the generosity of John Gruszka Shirley Osarchuk PDFs of Beekeeping in Western Canada have been made available to CAPABEES. We will post the PDFs on the new site. Along these lines Adony has assembled a shortlist of timeless but out-of-print provincial and federal extension publications from the Beaverlodge library, which the Committee will consider for digitisation and posting on the website in 2007.

Comments: - The CAPA web site should provide better capability to allow editing by individuals and better communication within the site. - There will be a members only area. - Adony would like to get older research material digitized and placed on the website

Motion: Moved H. Higo and seconded by Chris Maund to accept the Communications Committee Report as presented. CARRIED

CBRF Report Rob Currie (Chair of CBRF) & Rhéal Lafrenière (Chair of Grant Selection Committee)

The Canadian Bee Research Fund is an independent charitable organization that is headed by a board of directors composed of representatives from the Canadian Honey Council and Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists. The Fund has been set up as a long-term endowment fund, where the interest generated by the fund is made available for annual grants. In most years, the CBRF has been able to contribute $20,000 to $25,000 a year toward apiculture research projects. The board of directors consists of four voting members, two from CAPA and two from CHC and the secretary of the CHC, Heather Clay. The board makes decisions about investments, fund raising, as well as disbursement of research grant funds. A grant selection committee is

established each year that consists of CAPA members (whom are not submitting a research grant in the current competition) as well as two appointees from the Canadian Honey Council and the CHC secretary, Heather Clay. Industry research priorities are used as the primary selection criteria for determining which projects receive funding.

The CBRF has recently appointed new managers to oversee the investment of the endowment. Last year investments were moved from CIBC and split between the Royal Bank ($218,803.00) and McLean Budden ($230,253), with those institutions produced yields of approximately 15% and 12% respectively. Grant disbursements are based upon an allocation based upon capitol and an allocation associated with incoming donations each year. It is estimated that approximately $25,000 will be available to fund research grants in the upcoming year.

Six grant applications were received for the 2007 competition and the total value of all funding requests was $81,700. Decisions on the exact amount of money allocated and the number of grants funded will not be made until the CBRF board and Grant selection committee meet in conjunction with the CHC meeting in British Columbia.

Comments: - Last year 5 grants of $ 5000 each were made.

Motion: Moved Kenna MacKenzie and seconded by Doug McRory to accept the CBRF Report as presented. CARRIED

Awards Committee 2006 Alison Skinner

Committee Members: Alison Skinner (Chair), Don Dixon, Paul van Westendorp, Kenna MacKenzie, Robyn Underwood

Student Award

Two deserving applications were received for the Student Award. The committee recommends that the award go to Rasoul Bahreini, a Ph.D candidate with Dr. Currie at the University of Manitoba, based on his impressive research and extension contributions.

Outstanding Service Award

No nominations were received for the Outstanding Service Award.

Comments: - Applications to be sent out to University Biology Departments and /or Awards Offices of universities.

- Notice to go out in the early fall to the various universities, IUSSI to capture Canadian students abroad and to AAPA.

Motion: Moved by Medhat Nasr and seconded by Ernesto Guzman that the Student Award for 2007 be awarded to Rasoul Bahreini. CARRIED

Motion: Moved by Heather Higo and seconded by Chris Maund to accept the Awards Committee Report as presented. CARRIED

Archives Committee Heather Higo

Committee Members: Heather Higo (Chair), Don Nelson, Adony Melathopoulos, Mark Winston

This report summarizes the current and future status of CAPA archival materials.

The Simon Fraser University Archives currently holds copies of CAPA proceedings from 1959 to 2000. More current proceedings (2001-2005) were added in January 2007 and so are not yet listed on their on-line registry. SFU Archives will continue to accept annual proceedings on an ongoing basis. Their main concern was not having space to accept contributions other than proceedings, but as the archives committee has not received any additional contributions from CAPA members for archiving that is no longer an issue. Large amounts of materials to be archived would necessitate setting up a professional archives elsewhere.

A small amount of additional Apimondia contributions being held by Don Nelson will be accepted by SFU’s archives and will be cross-referenced with the Apimondia materials already being held at SFU. As of January 2007 the Apimondia holdings are not yet listed on line, but the archives staff is currently working on those finds.

Comments: - CAPA Newsletter archives are available from Don Nelson. Steve is holding the material at this time. The University of Guelph may be willing to take the material.

Motion: Moved by Medhat Nasr and seconded by Alison Skinner to accept the Archives Committee Report as presented. CARRIED

Budget 2007

- It was agreed that a fee of $ 3.50 would be set for 2007 for the old Disease Publication regardless of whether it is sold in Canada or the US. - The question was raised as to whether we have a letter of agreement and the rights to the mold for the Service Award. Paul van Westendorp will follow up to ensure we have in writing the rights to the mold. - There was discussion around the costs of the new disease publication. An estimate of $ 4 a copy to produce was used to budget for an expenditure of $ 30,000 (7500 copies). It may well be

possible to pre sell to associations and provincial governments so that the publisher could ship direct the pre sold copies. A selling price of $ 5 a copy was put forth.

Motion: Moved by Kenna MacKenzie and seconded by Rob Currie to accept the Proposed Budget as presented. CARRIED

Committees

Executive – J. Moran to come in as Secretary-Treasurer

Standing Committees

Chemical - no change Importation - no change Research - add E Guzman, P. Giovenazzo, remove D. Nelson Awards -add N. Tremblay CBRF - contact C. Scott-Dupree to see if she will remain, alternatives S Pernal or P. van Westendorp Publications - no change Archives - add A. Skinner, remove M Winston Non Apis - K. MacKenzie Chair, add C. Jordan, remove J. Gates Honey Working - delete committee Letter to be done from CAPA to CFIA in support of changes to the labeling. M. Nasr to coordinate responses from Provincial Apiculturists for the letter to T. Hauschild. Editorial Disease - add R. Currie, N. Tremblay Publication Communications - add H. Higo, C. Boucher, remove K. Tuckey, C. Scott-Dupree

Motion: Moved by K. MacKenzie and seconded by D. McRory to accept the changes to the Executive and Committees. CARRIED

A complete list of Executive and Committee members is included at the end of the proceedings.

New Business

- An invitation was received from the American Honey Producers Association and The American Beekeeping Federation to have CAPA attend their meetings and hold the CAPA AGM in Sacramento in 2008. It was felt that CAPA needs to be at the joint CHC/CAPA meetings in 2008. S. Pernal to contact and say we will not be able to attend however through participation by Canadian researchers at their Research Symposium there could be a strong

Canadian presence. An invitation to AHPA and ABF to attend the 2009 meetings in Niagara to be extended.

- There is a possibility to send a limited number of samples to the US to be tested for the presence of N. ceranae. Contact S. Pernal if you are interested in getting samples tested.

- K. MacKenzie expects that the new US Pollinator stamp series will be available in June, 2007

Motion: Moved by P. van Westendorp and seconded by H. Higo that the meeting be adjourned . CARRIED

PROVINCIAL APIARISTS REPORTS

Provincial Reports, 2006 Production Season . BC AB SK MB ON QC NB NS PE TOTAL Number of 2,047 733 1,068 623 2,400 378 223 325 5 7,802 Beekeepers Number of 49,165 225,000 100,000 85,000 76,700 41,431 8,300 18,800 4,318 608,714 Colonies 220 111 Average Honey 70 lbs 150 lbs 250 lbs *83 lbs 60 lbs 61 lbs 68 lbs Average lbs lbs Production per & & & & & & & 119 lbs & & colony (lbs & kg) 32 kg 67 kg 114 kg *38 kg 27 kg 28 kg 31 kg 54 kg 100 kg 50 kg Total Production 3,436 38,250 25,000 18,480 8,475 *3,450 298 579 294 98,262 per 1000 wt. (lbs & & & & & & & & & & & kg) 1,562 17,000 11,364 8,384 3,844 *1,565 135 263 134 44,251 Number of Colonies Wintered 53,508 255,000 110,000 84,100 76,000 31,773 8,300 18,100 2,338 639,119 in 2005-06 Average Winter Average 20% 15% 10% 15% 12% 13% 15% 12% 12% Mortality (%) (14%) Colonies or Average Operations (Op) 3,309 1550 6207 8694 43 Op 973 135 29 - (7.7%) inspected for AFB (3.0%) (3.5%) (2.1%) (3.3%) (40%) (6.0%) ( - ) (28%) (40%)Op (% infected) Colonies or Average Operations (Op) 3,309 1550 6207 8694 43 Op 973 135 29 - (1.9%) inspected for EFB (0.6%) (0.02%) ( - ) (.07%) (16%) (1.4%) ( - ) (7.4%) (16%)Op (% infected) Colonies or Average Operations (Op) 3,309 1550 6207 8694 43 Op 973 135 29 - (8.2%) inspected for (6.0%) (1.5%) ( - ) (2.4%) (24%) (4.9%) ( - ) (26%) (24%)Op Chalk (% infected) Colonies or Operations (Op) Average 3,309 1550 6207 8694 43 Op 973 135 29 inspected for - (2.6%) ( - ) ( - ) ( - ) (0.2%) ( - ) (4.9%) ( - ) ( - ) sacbrood (% ( - )Op infected) Colonies or Operations (Op) 159 Average 46 Op 265 35 inspected with - - - Op - - (0%) (13%) (0%) (0%) HBTM (% (39%) (26%)Op Infected) Colonies or Operations (Op) 163 Average 1,865 31 Op 35 inspected with - - Op - - - (53%) (20%) (93%) (86%) Varroa (% (50%) (72%)Op Infected)

Note:- indicates information not reported. * indicates that the information was taken from Statistics Canada – Production and Value of Honey and Maple Products 2007

British Columbia Paul van Westendorp

A. Beekeeping Industry Statistics

. No. of Beekeepers 2,047 . No. of Producing Colonies 49,165 . Average Yield/Colony (lb/kg) 70 / 32 . Total Estimated Crop (lb/Kg x1000) 3,436 / 1,562 . Colonies Wintered Last Year 53,508 . Average Winter Mortality (%) 20 %

B. Diseases and Pests Number of Number of Disease Disease Colonies Beekeepers Colony Beekeeper Disease/Pest Inspected Inspected Incidence Incidence

(#) (#) . AFB 3,309 na 99 na . EFB 3,309 na 19 na . Chalkbrood 3,309 na 200 na . Sacbrood 3,309 na 13 na . Tracheal Mite 0 na 0 na . Varroa Mite 1,865 na 376 na . Other

C. Comments

• Below average honey crop for 2006, compared to the long-term average of 80 lbs/col. • Varroa mites remain the most serious threat to the economic viability of many beekeeping operations. • Unexplained colony losses continue to plague industry and it is suspected that honeybee viruses may play a far greater role in combination of parasitic mites than generally acknowledged. • The slow decline in the number of beekeepers in the province has continued but the number of colonies has slowly increased to almost 50,000. In addition, some 30,000 colonies are imported from Alberta and Manitoba for wintering in southern BC.

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Alberta Medhat Nasr A. Beekeeping Industry Statistics

. No. of Beekeepers 733

. No. of Producing Colonies 255,000 Average Yield/Colony (lb/kg) 150 Lb/ 66.7 kg . Total Estimated Crop (lb/kg x1000) 38.25 mil lb / 17.00 mil kg . Colonies Wintered Last Year 255,000 . Average Winter Mortality (%) 14.7%

B. Diseases and Pests Number of Number of Disease Disease Colonies Beekeepers Colony Beekeeper Disease/Pest Inspected Inspected Incidence Incidence (%) (%)

. AFB 1550 60 3.5 ______. EFB 0.02 ___ . Chalkbrood 1.5 ___ . Sacbrood ______. Tracheal Mite N/A . Varroa Mite N/A . Other N/A

Bees and Crop Conditions

● The number of bee colonies has not increased in 2006. Beekeepers who own 100 or more colonies have become members of Alberta Beekeepers Commission. They pay fees based on the number of operated colonies. Few beekeepers reacted negatively to registering their colonies by reporting low number of colonies or did not register.

● Beekeepers reported on average 14.7% winterkill. The survivorship of honey bee colonies was exceptionally high and bee colonies were strong in spring in most of the commercial beekeeping operations.

● Honey production was above the ten year average by 15%. Most of the increase in honey production occurred across Alberta, except the Peace River region. Favorable weather conditions in the spring have allowed crops to grow fast. Very dry and hot conditions affected canola and clover honey production in the Peace River region. In other regions of the province, dry conditions only affected canola honey production, but rain helped to improve the honey production from the second cut of hay. In 2006 most of the produced honey was from clover and alfalfa

● The pedigreed hybrid canola seed production industry continues to grow in Southern Alberta. Beekeepers supplied 45,000 colonies for canola pollination in 2006. It is expected that the acreage of hybrid canola for seed production will increase in the 2007 season, resulting in more bees needed for pollination. There are about 4,000 bee colonies moved from B. C. for hybrid canola pollination in Alberta.

● Alberta beekeepers have been increasing annually the number of bee colonies by 10%. Due to low honey prices, the industry slowed down the growth of the industry. The Alberta beekeeping industry continues to be dependent on imported queens from the USA and other countries. In

2006 beekeepers imported over 90,000 queens from Hawaii, continental USA, New Zealand and Australia.

Honey Bee Pests and Diseases Report:

The Small Hive Beetle

The small hive beetle was discovered in Alberta in 2006. A general survey was conducted to determine the extent of the small hive beetle distribution in Alberta. Alberta Agriculture and Food also investigated the possible sources of the small hive beetle. Our investigation showed that the small hive beetle was found in bee colonies started from imported package bees from Australia in 2005 and 2006. We found that six operations had small hive beetles. One of these operations is from British Columbia and operated bees in Alberta for pollination and honey production. The DNA testing of the small hive beetles found in Alberta and Manitoba supported our investigation. The DNA results indicated that these beetles originated from Australia. The finding of the beetles was reported to the CFIA. Consequently, the CFIA suspended all imports of honey bees from Australia till further notice. An emergency registration of CheckMite+ was granted for detection and control of the small hive beetle in 2006.

Brood Disease

During the inspection of bee colonies for the small hive beetle, inspectors reported that high percentages of colonies were infected by the American foulbrood (AFB). They also found a large number of abandoned bee colonies on the countryside. Most of these abandoned colonies were infected by AFB and could be a high-risk source of contagious diseases to healthy colonies in neighboring apiaries.

Parasitic Mites

CheckMite+ resistant varroa was found in few operations in Alberta. Beekeepers were advised to use Apistan and other alternative chemicals to control mites. Beekeepers continue to integrate different control methods to treat colonies for varroa.

Alberta Apiculture Research and Extension Program Report:

The Apiculture program is carrying out several research projects: 1) Safe guarding Alberta honey : The project continued for the 3 rd year. The purpose of 2006 research project was to follow up and monitor progress in improving practices of using antibiotics in beekeeping. Honey samples were collected from beekeepers and they are being analyzed.

2) Development of IPM : Research continues to optimize the use of oxalic acid in controlling mites in honey bee colonies. Research showed that oxalic acid in 30% sugar syrup provided effective control against varroa. Efficacy was not significantly different between using oxalic acid in 30% and 50% sugar syrup. The new applicator developed to apply oxalic acid was tested. The developed oxalic acid applicator will be available for commercial production in 2007. 3) Enhancing honey bee pollination of hybrid canola. The nutritional value of different bee diets was evaluated. Recommendations were made for beekeepers interested in feeding bees to increase the build up of the honey population in the spring.

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Saskatchewan John Gruszka

A. Beekeeping Industry Statistics

. No. of Beekeepers 1068 . No. of Producing Colonies 100,000 . Average Yield/Colony (lb/kg) 250 lb/colony (113.6 kg/col.) . Total Estimated Crop (lb/Kg x1000) 25,000,000 lb (11,364 m.t.) . Colonies Wintered Last Year 110,000 . Average Winter Mortality (%) 10%

B. Diseases and Pests Number of Number of Disease Disease Colonies Beekeepers Colony Beekeeper Disease/Pest Inspected Inspected Incidence Incidence _ (%) (%) . AFB . EFB . Chalkbrood . Sacbrood . Tracheal Mite . Varroa Mite . Other

C. Comments

1. Tracheal mites 1715 apiary samples were submitted for analysis during the year. Approximately 30% of the samples were positive for the presence of tracheal mites (generally at low levels). Tracheal mites are now found in all areas of the province. 9All producers are treating annually to keep levels below economic thresholds.

2. Varroa mites Varroa has now spread to approximately 95% of the commercial operations. Apistan-resistant Varroa continues to spread in the north-east.

3. 2006 crop The 2006 honey crop was a record crop Honey prices continue to be in the $.95 range and honey has been slow to move off the farms. This is the second year of bulk prices that are below the cost of production.

4. Bee stock improvement project “Saskatraz”

The SBA stock improvement project continues. The Saskatraz apiary contains 48 colonies and continues to demonstrate resistance to tracheal mites. All of the colonies were inoculated with

tracheal mites in the fall of 2004. Tracheal analysis over the summer and fall of 2006 revealed that about 20% of the hives now have low level infestations while the rest remain tracheal mite free (on the basis of a 100 bee sample/colony).

All colonies in the apiary now have Varroa mites and 3 hives now have extremely high levels of Varroa and likely will not survive the winter.

Each year the most promising lines will be made available to producers to multiply and introduce in their own operations. Approximately 40 commercial beekeepers obtained breeder stock during 2006 and the Saskatraz stock is being widely distributed in the province.

5. Saskatchewan Beekeepers Commission formed

Legislation was enacted to create the Commission and enable it to collect a refundable, per hive levy from all beekeepers operating more than 100 colonies. The levy is currently $.50/colony and is expected to generate approximately $40,000 per annum which the Commission will use to fund research and promotion activities. The Commission is operating separately from the Beekeepers Association.

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Manitoba Rhéal Lafrenière and David Ostermann

A. Beekeeping Industry Statistics

. No. of Beekeepers 623 . No. of Producing Colonies 85,000 . Average Yield/Colony (lb/kg) 220 / 100 . Total Estimated Crop (lb/kg x1000) 18,480 / 8,384 . Colonies Wintered Last Year 84,000 . Average Winter Mortality (%) 10

B. Diseases and Pests Number of Number of Disease Disease Colonies Beekeepers Colony Beekeeper Disease/Pest Inspected Inspected Incidence Incidence _

(%) (%) . AFB 6207 237 2.1 18 . EFB 6207 237 - 0 . Chalkbrood - - - - . Sacbrood - - - - . Tracheal Mite 156 39 . Varroa Mite 163 50 . Other Monitor for small hive beetle and resistant AFB & ____ Varroa C. Comments 2006 crop • Winter mortality in 2006 was low thanks in part to a mild winter and more importantly a short

• winter. Colony build up in the spring was also good. Strong nectar and pollen flow from plants such as willow and dandelion supported colony growth right up to the main honey flow, which started slightly earlier than usual this year. The hot and dry summer weather provided ideal foraging conditions. The honey flowed well in July, but in some areas of the province, the excessive heat and lack of rain caused the crops to mature very quickly, thus shortening the honey flow season. Some deep rooted crops like alfalfa appeared to draw on last year’s moisture to sustain their nectar production period. In some areas, the alfalfa honey continued to trickle in to September. Areas that received more moisture, like the northern Interlake and western half of the province, did better than drier areas, such as the Central region, yet overall the average production was well above normal. In preparation for winter, many producers found they didn’t have to feed as much this year since the brood chambers were already quite heavy with alfalfa honey.

Diseases • Similar to the last couple years, we have been conducting antibiotic resistance testing on the positive AFB samples that have come through our lab. Two new incidences of rAFB were discovered in 2006, making seven the number of operations currently confirmed with rAFB. Six operations are located in the Northwest region and one is located in the Central region.

Parasitic Mites • The first case of varroa resistance to CheckMite+ was confirmed this fall in an operation located in the southern part of the province, operating in the Rural Municipalities of Rhineland and Montcalm. CheckMite+ has been used extensively in the area for the past three years or so. Live bees from the operation were analysed at the Bee Lab for resistance to CheckMite+ as well as Apistan. The results of the bioassay showed that the mites were resistant to CheckMite+ and although Apistan appeared to provide a greater degree of control in the bioassay tests, the producer reported that some colonies in the operation appeared to be resistant to both products. At this time, it is not known if the resistance built up naturally within the operation or whether resistant mites invaded the operation from neighbouring beekeepers or U.S. beekeepers across the border.

• For several years now, HBTM and varroa mites have been found in all beekeeping regions of

• the province. We are strongly encouraging beekeepers that have been using fluvalinate (Apistan) exclusively to try to use an alternative product, such as formic acid, or oxalic acid instead. Manitoba supported the Emergency Use Registration of CheckMite+ for the control of varroa mite and the detection and control of small hive beetle in honey bee colonies

Small Hive Beetle • On August 16, 2006, two adult small hive beetles were found in the Northwest region of province in an operation which had imported Australian packages. There was no sign of establishment of the beetle (i.e. no eggs or larvae). The beetles have been found to be genetically similar to ones in Australia. These two beetles represent the only beetles found in Manitoba this year.

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Ontario Doug Mc Rory

A. Beekeeping Industry Statistics

. No. of Beekeepers 2400 . No.of ProducingColonies 76,700 . AverageYield/Colony(lb/kg) 110.5/50 ______. Total Estimated Crop (lb/Kg x1000) 8,475,278/3,844 . Colonies Wintered Last Year 76,000 . Average Winter Mortality (%) 11.43%

B. Diseases and Pests Number of Number of Disease Disease Colonies Beekeepers Colony Beekeeper Disease/Pest Inspected Inspected Incidence Incidence _ (%) (%) . AFB* 8694 3.25% . EFB 8694 0.07% . Chalkbrood 8694 2.38% . Sacbrood 8694 0.15% . Tracheal Mite Sampling continues for sales where beekeeper does not now if HBTM is present. Thunder Bay area is still free of HBTM

Varroa Mite The only area left that does not have Varroa is Thunder Bay

. Other Probably 65% of the colonies in Ontario are resistant to Apistan ®. There are several spot areas where Check-Mite ™ does not work. A new area for Check-Mite ™ resistance is Niagara. Beekeepers should be continually monitoring if the treatment that they used actually worked. If you suspect that your treatment did not work contact your local bee inspector, the provincial apiarist or the Tech-Transfer Team of the OBA for further testing. The 2006 recommendations for treating for the mites is to treat in the spring and early fall with formic acid and follow up at packing time with an oxalic acid treatment. AFB treatment recommendations are three treatments in the spring and three in the fall with Oxy-tetracycline. No resistance to Oxy- tetracycline has shown up in the samples from each find of AFB that has been sent to the USDA Lab in Beltsville, Maryland.

Regular Inspections 789 Queen and Nuc Inspections 358

Selling Permit Inspections 350 Moving Permit Inspections 52

Total Inspections 1529

Note*: One beekeeper had 99 colonies of AFB

C. Comments

Ontario experienced an excellent wintering season over the winter of 2005-06. Losses were about half of those that have become normal now with the mites. Early spring weather was ideal for building the population of honey bees in the colonies. Those beekeepers that did not split their colonies had a great deal of swarming. After that it was wet and cool and a lot of the virgin queens produced during the swarming did not get very well mated and were superseded later in the season.

There was a very strong honey flow in July of excellent white honey. Beekeepers indicate that they averaged about 110 pounds per colony from that flow. Most areas dried up in August and very few beekeepers had any late honey from the golden rod and fall aster. Rainy River had their best crop ever from second cut alfalfa that was left by the farmers because it was too short to cut. It bloomed and produced lots of honey.

The season appeared to be ideal for the development of the mites. In the fall the Tech-Transfer Team were doing “Mite-Scouting” with several of the commercial beekeepers and the mite levels were quite high. If you are interested you should talk to the Tech-Transfer Team about scouting your bee outfit.

The honey market for bulk honey remained down with beekeepers reporting a return of .95 per pound in 2005 with no change in 2006. The volume of honey sold by Ontario beekeepers as retail pack stayed constant in 2005 with 2004 but because the total production was up in 2005 from 2004 the percentage of honey sold retail dropped by about 10%. The retail price reported for 2005 was $2.07 per pound. This is the incentive to pack and sell as much of your production as possible.

The number of beekeepers is down about 200 to 2400. The number of colonies went up by 700 to 76,700.

Beekeepers are looking for alternative income from their honey bees as the bulk price is below what beekeepers feel is the cost of production. 37 semi loads (13500 colonies) of bees were rented to blueberry and cranberry growers in Quebec and New Brunswick in 2006. This worked better than previous seasons as the bees were returned faster this season and therefore came back in better shape. The bees were also back in time to get some of the July honey flow.

Cucumber pollination has dropped right off as the contractors apparently have moved production to United States.

Orchard pollination continues at about the same pace as before but slowly many orchards are being removed.

Pumpkins and other vine crops appear to be increasing with added rentals of bees for pollination.

Over all Ontario Beekeepers appear to be happy with beekeeping. The beekeepers that depend on the bulk market are having problems. Most beekeepers are having reasonable success with controlling the mites. No major disasters occurred with any wide spread problems.

Summary of OMAFRA 2006 Honey Sampling Program January 2007

As part of OMAFRA’s 2006 Honey Sampling Program, 274 samples of honey were collected between June 1 and December 22, 2006. These samples were randomly collected from across the province and represented 221 different producers. Samples were collected from both retail and farm gate locations. The majority of the samples were collected from domestic non- registered honey producers. The program was designed to detected non compliance with Regulation 384 under the Farm Products Grades and Sales Act. The program consisted of three components; (1) lab analysis, (2) label review and (3) grading. Summaries of these three components are shown below.

LAB ANALYSIS As part of the lab analysis component all 274 samples were analysed by the University of Guelph Laboratory for the presence of Phenol, Chloramphenicol, seven different Sulfonamides and three different Tetracyclines.

Levels detected were compared to the maximum allowable levels set by Health Canada. Producers were immediately notified by phone if a chemical detected exceeded the allowable level. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) was also notified. The CFIA took the lead on all compliance action. Possible action taken by the CFIA included resampling, product recall, product detention and/or disposal. Non compliance was detected on 7 or 2.6% of the samples.

One sample had two chemical violations. No public recalls were issued to date. A summary of the lab results can be seen in the table below.

Lab Results

#samples #(%) #(%) # (%) Chemical analysed compliant detected* non-compliant Phenol 274 270 (98.5%) 42 (15.3%) 4 (1.5%) Chloramphenicol 274 274 (100%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) Sulfonamides 274 271 (98.9%) 11 (4.0%) 7 (1.1%) Tetracyclines 274 274 (100%) 6 (2.2%) 0 (0.0%) TOTAL 274 267 (97.4%) 59 (21.5%) 7 (2.6%) * Detection levels were unique for every chemical.

The following table is a summary of the samples with Sulfonamides and Tetracyclines detected.

Sulfonamide and Tetracycline Results # samples #(%) #(%) #(%) Chemical analysed compliant detected* noncompliant Sulfonamide Sulfadoxine 274 274 (100%) 0 (0.0%) 1 (0.4%) Sulfamethazine 274 273 (99.6%) 6 (2.2%) 1 (0.4%)** Sulfanilamide 274 274 (100%) 2 (0.7%) 0 (0.0%) Sulfathiazole 274 273 (99.6%) 1 (0.4%) 1 (0.4%)** Sulfadiazine 274 274 (100%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) Sulfadimethoxine 274 274 (100%) 1 (0.4%) 0 (0.0%) Sulfaquinoxaline 274 273 (99.6%) 1 (0.4%) 1 (0.4%) Tetracyclines Tetracycline 274 274 (100%) 2 (0.7%) 0 (0.0%) Oxytetracycline 274 274 (100%) 2 (0.7%) 0 (0.0%) Chlortetracycline 274 274 (100%) 2 (0.7%) 0 (0.0%)

* Detection levels were unique for every chemical. ** The sulfamethazine violation and the sulfathiazole violation were on the same sample.

LABEL REVIEW As part of the label review component, product labels were reviewed to determine if they were in compliance with the labelling requirements under Regulation 384. The regulation states that all honey, sold at retail, must be labelled with; • the word “honey”, • the weight of the honey, • the word “liquid’ if applicable, • the word “pasteurized” if applicable, • the grade and colour class of the honey, and • the name and address of the person who packed the honey.

Honey sold at farm gate only needs to be labelled with the name and address of the person who packed the honey and the word “honey”.

As part of the 2006 program, 274 product labels were reviewed. Two hundred and twenty nine (229) samples were collected from retail locations and 45 were from farm gate. Of the 274 labels reviewed, 20 % were in compliance with the regulation and contained all of the label requirements, whereas 80% were missing at least one component. This included nine samples that did not have any label at all. Producers were notified by mail if their label was not in compliance. Below is a summary of the missing label requirements.

# (%) of retail # (%) of farm gate Required label component samples missing samples missing this this requirement requirement “Honey” 4 (1.7%) 9 (20.0%) Weight 26 (11.4%) - “Liquid”* 128 (58.1%) - Grade and Colour Class 122 (53.3%) - Name and Address 139 (60.7%) 23 (51.1%) * Nine samples were creamed honey and did not require “liquid” to be written on the label.

The name and address requirement was not considered to be compliant unless the address was complete. Canada Post considers a complete address to have the following; • Name • Rural Route Number or Box Number or Street Address • Municipality • Province • Postal Code

Of the 162 samples with incomplete name and address requirements; • 17 (10.5%) were missing the name, • 115 (71.0%) were missing the Rural Route Number or Box Number or Street Address, • 32 (19.8%) were missing the municipality • 47 (29.0%) were missing the province • 86 (53.1%) were missing the postal code • 15 (9.3%) were missing all address requirements

GRADING In the third part of the program, samples were analysed to determine if they were labelled with the correct grade and colour class. Regulation 384 states that honey sold at retail must indicate on the label, the class and the grade of the honey. Producers were notified by mail if their honey was labelled with the incorrect grade or colour class.

Honey grades are established under the Canadian Agricultural Products Act . In additional to several quality characteristics, grade is also determined by percent moisture. The below table indicates the grades and the corresponding moisture level for unpasteurized honey.

Grade Moisture Level “Canada No. 1” Not more than 17.8% “Canada No. 2” Not more than 18.6% “Canada No. 3” Not more than 20%

Percent moisture was determined for 229 retail honey samples. The table below summarized the lab results for these samples.

Total # of # (%) with a grade Of the 112 samples with grade on the label samples indicated on the # (%) were # (%) were analyzed label correctly labelled incorrectly labelled 229 112 (48.9%) 95 (84.8%) 17 (15.2%)

Colour class can be determined with either a honey classifier or a Pfund honey grader. The table below describes the different colour classes for retail honey and the characteristics of each colour class.

Designation on Honey Reading on Pfund Honey Class Classifier Grader “White” Not darker than White Not more than 30 millimetres Darker than White More than 30 millimetres “Golden” but not darker than Golden but not more than 50 millimetres Darker than Golden More than 50 millimeters “Amber” but not darker than Amber but not more than 85 millimetres “Dark” Darker than Amber More than 85 millimetres

Colour classifications were determined for 229 retail samples using a Pfund honey grader. The table below summarized the lab results for these samples.

# (%) with a Total # of Of the 158 samples with colour class on the label colour class samples indicated on the # (%) were correctly # (%) were incorrectly analyzed label labelled labelled

229 158 (69.0%) 73 (46.2%) 85 (53.8%)

OMAFRA is planning on running a honey program for the 2007 season. Sample numbers have yet to be determined but the program will be similar to the 2006 program and will consist of the same three components; lab analysis, label review and grading.

For additional information on the Honey Sampling Program please contact:

Loree Saunders Compliance Programs Coordinator Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs 1 Stone Road West, 5 th Floor NW Guelph, Ontario, N1G 4Y2 [email protected] Tel: (519) 826-5255

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Quebec

A. Beekeeping Industry Statistics

. No. of Beekeepers 378 (officially registered upon the new______legislation)______. No. of Producing Colonies 41431______

. Average Yield/Colony (lb/kg) ______. Total Estimated Crop (lb/Kg x1000) ______. Colonies Wintered Last Year 31773 hives wintered under mortality______insurance program (do not include all hives_ wintered in Québec)______. Average Winter Mortality (%) 12,5 %______

B. Diseases and Pests Number of Number of Disease Disease Colonies Beekeepers Colony Beekeeper Disease/Pest Inspected Inspected Incidence Incidence ___ (%) (%) . AFB 43 40% . EFB 43 16% . Chalkbrood 37 24% . Sacbrood - - . Tracheal Mite 46 13% . Varroa Mite 31 93% . Nosemosis ______45 40%____ . SHB 28 0 % _

C. Comments

• Data in section B, except those for SHB, are obtained from inspection done following a

request by beekeepers who suspected a disease problem in his hives. So, the indicated incidence is reflecting the situation among beekeepers who already have a suspicion of disease. It’s not a real incidence of these diseases through the entire beekeeping industry in Québec. • No small hive beetle found following active surveillance in beekeepers known to have imported bee packages from Australia in 2006. • Every detected case of American foulbrood is submitted to our laboratory for an oxytetracycline resistance test. No AFB strains were resistant in 2005 • A first case of varroa resistant to coumaphos was detected in the fall 2006.

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New Brunswick Chris Maund

A. Beekeeping Industry Statistics

. No. of Beekeepers 223 . No. of Producing Colonies 4978 8300 total colonies . Average Yield/Colony (lb/kg) 59.9 / 27.2 . Total Estimated Crop (lb/kg x1000) 298.2 / 135.3 . Colonies Wintered Last Year 8300 . Average Winter Mortality (%) 15

B. Diseases and Pests Number of Number of Disease Disease Colonies Beekeepers Colony Beekeeper Disease/Pest Inspected Inspected Incidence Incidence _

(%) (%) . AFB 973 95 6.0 15.8_____ . EFB 973 95 1.4 8.4___ . Chalkbrood 973 95 4.9______13.7_____ . Sacbrood 973 95 0.9 4.2____

. Tracheal Mite - - - - . Varroa Mite - 95 - * 16.8 * . Other

C. Comments

• The number for colonies overwintered also includes non-producing colonies (i.e. colonies mainly for pollination purposes).

• * Varroa mite: The number of colonies infected with varroa mites was not counted. Only beekeepers with extremely high levels of varroa mites throughout their whole operation were

noted. Varroa mite population levels had developed to a critical level in many colonies in the province earlier than normal, partly due to the earlier than usual spring.

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Nova Scotia Joanne Moran

A. Beekeeping Industry Statistics

. No. of Beekeepers 325 . No. of Producing Colonies 18,800 total colonies _ . Average Yield/Colony (lb/kg) 61/28 . Total Estimated Crop (lb/Kg x1000) 579/ 263 . Colonies Wintered Last Year 18,100 . Average Winter Mortality (%) 12%

B. Diseases and Pests Number of Number of Disease Disease Colonies Beekeepers Colony Beekeeper Disease/Pest Inspected Inspected Incidence Incidence __

(#) (#) . AFB 135 . EFB 135 . Chalkbrood 135 . Sacbrood 135 . Tracheal Mite 265 samples ______. Varroa Mite 100 . Other -

C. Comments

• The 2005-2006 winter was mild, winter mortality was down and spring colonies were strong. Beekeepers made more splits than normal and the number of colonies to blueberry pollination was up from 16,000 in 2005 to 17,200 colonies in 2006. • The summer was extremely wet. There were periods were bees starved during the summer. Honey production for the year was below average. • Apistan resistance testing was conducted again in 2006. Full resistance has not been found but results continue to show a drop in efficacy in some colonies. CheckMite+ was used on a significant number of colonies for fall treatment. This was year 2 in the use of CheckMite+ for some beekeepers. Oxalic acid was used on approximately 22% of colonies. • Nova Scotia continues to sample annually for tracheal mites with no detection from the 2006 samples analyzed to date.

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Prince Edward Island Chris Jordan (Berry Crop Development Officer – Bee Contact)

A. Beekeeping Industry Statistics

. No. of Beekeepers 5 commercial (50+ hives) + several small_____ hobbyists . No. of Producing Colonies estimated 4,318 . Average Yield/Colony (lb/kg) 68 lbs/colony

. Total Estimated Crop (lb/Kg x1000) 68 lbs/colony x 4,318 colonies = 293,624 lbs . Colonies Wintered Last Year 2,338 . Average Winter Mortality (%) 12%

B. Diseases and Pests Number of Number of Disease Disease Colonies Beekeepers Colony Beekeeper Disease/Pest Inspected Inspected Incidence Incidence _ (%) (%)

. AFB 29 9 27.6% . EFB 27 9 7.4% . Chalkbrood 27 9 25.9% . Sacbrood 29 9 0% . Tracheal Mite 35 9 0% . Varroa Mite 35 9 85.7% . Other (K-wing) 27 9 40.7% . Other (Small Hive Beetle) 27 9 0%

C. Comments

• PEI has a very small honeybee industry. Pollination services are geared towards the lowbush blueberry industry, as well as cranberry and apple. It is estimated that PEI has a shortfall of approximately 1,400 hives in order to meet the demands of the lowbush blueberry industry. • Since PEI’s provincial government does not have a full-time bee inspector, Dick Rogers was contracted to conduct Colony Condition Assessments on selected apiaries. These assessments focused on both full-time beekeepers as well as hobbyists. In a two year cycle, selected hives from the majority of beekeepers should be assessed. • Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) made a dramatic appearance in PEI in 2006 • In 2005, 16.7% of the samples were suspected of resistance development to fluvalinate. In 2006, 27.3% of the samples showed less than 60% effectiveness to fluvalinate. • AFB resistance to oxytetracycline was confirmed in 2006 in one apiary. Other apiaries are being tested to determine how wide-spread this resistance is.

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PROVINCIAL RESEARCH REPORTS

Alberta

Project Title: Integrated Management of Oxytetracycline-resistant American Foulbrood (AFB) Disease in Honey Bees: Reduced Residue Risks with Alternative Antibiotics.

Principal Investigator: Name: Dr. Stephen F. Pernal Address: AAFC Beaverlodge, Box 29 Email: [email protected] 1 Research Road, Fax: 780-354-8171 Beaverlodge, AB Tel: 780-354-5135 T0H 0C0 Co-Investigators: Name: Mr. Adony Melathopoulos Name: Dr. Don Nelson (Retired) Address: AAFC Beaverlodge Address: AAFC Beaverlodge Box 29, 1 Research Road Box 29, 1 Research Road Beaverlodge, AB Beaverlodge, AB T0H 0C0 T0H 0C0 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Fax: 780-354-8171 Fax: 780-354-8171 Tel: 780-354-5130 Tel: 780-354-5122

Name: Mr. Don Noot Name: Mr. Ken Manninen Address: Head, Chemistry Section Address: Head, Biology Section Agri-Food Laboratories Agri-Food Laboratories Branch Branch AAFRD, Food Safety AAFRD, Food Safety Division Division 307 O.S. Longman Bldg. 607 O.S. Longman Bldg. 6909 – 116 St. 6909 – 116 St. Edmonton, AB T6H 4P2 Edmonton, AB T6H 4P2 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Fax: 780-415-4527 Fax: 780-427-1437 Tel: 780-427-8390 Tel: 780-427-8307

Abstract: Our previous experiments with tylosin tartrate have shown it to be very effective at long-term suppression of clinical symptoms of AFB when applied as powdered sugar dustings (3x200 mg a.i. applications). Problematic, however, is the fact that this formulation applied in the spring leaves unacceptable levels of residues in the harvested honey. In contrast, tylosin formulated in pollen patties and applied in the spring has shown inconsistent and short-term suppression of disease symptoms, but has minimal residue deposition. Noteworthy is the fact that all previous trials were conducted under conditions of severe disease pressure; although useful for evaluating antibiotic formulations, these conditions would typically require beekeepers to burn colonies rather than medicate.

Therefore, in the spring of 2006, we evaluated the effects of tylosin-medicated pollen patties for the treatment of AFB using disease control techniques normally recommended to Canadian producers. Consistent with these practices, we removed visible symptoms of the disease prior to applying antibiotics. Pollen patties contained either 200, 600 or 1000 mg a.i. of tylosin tartrate and were applied three times, at weekly intervals. Two treatments containing non-medicated colonies were also used. In one, symptoms of disease were removed at the same time as was done for the antibiotic treatments, while in the other colonies remained unmanipulated for the duration of the experiment. Six replicate colonies per treatment were used.

All pollen patty formulations of tylosin were found to effectively suppress symptoms of AFB until the fall. At 15 weeks after initial application of treatments (12 Sep 06), low levels of AFB symptoms per colony were detectable in the 3x200 treatment (22.4 ± 22.4 infected cells/ colony; mean ± se), and in the 3x600 treatment (8.0 ± 7.1 cells); symptoms in the 3x1000 mg treatment were completely suppressed up to wintering. These data indicate that tylosin pollen patties may an effective alternative for treating AFB in the spring. Residue levels for harvested honey were below detection limits (< 5 ppb by LC-MS/MS) for tylosin and its breakdown product desmycosin, for all but one colony in the 3x1000 mg treatment, at 9 ppb. This is well below the current WRL of 60 ppb.

In an additional experiment that commenced during the summer of 2006, honey yield potential was evaluated in shaken, overwintered singles versus newly-established 0.9 kg packages and unmanipulated, overwintered singles ( n=12 cols./treatment). Average honey production (± se) per colony was determined to be: 95.7± 7.1 kg (shaken singles), 119.9 ± 10.5 kg (packages) and 137.5 ± 10.8 kg (unmanipulated singles). Thus shaking colonies, previously demonstrated to be and effective AFB control, results in a significant loss of honey yield of 30.4% compared with similar unshaken colonies ( F=5.84; df=2,33; P=0.02), but was statistically similar to packages. Combined with the benefits of not needing to replace bees and the creation of virgin comb, these results demonstrate that shaking is an economically viable option for treating AFB in Western Canada.

Start Date: 1 April 2002 End Date: 31 March 2006

Note: Work in 2006 was conduced, with permission, past original project end date on remaining carry-over funding from previous fiscal year.

Total Current Funding: $120,500 (Gross/annum, for entire project).

Funding Sources: Cash: Alberta Crop Industry Development Fund ($55,000), AAFC MII ($45,500), Canadian Bee Research Fund ($10,000), Medivet Pharmaceuticals ($5,000), Alberta Honey Producers’ Cooperative ($3,000), Alberta Beekeepers Association ($2,000). In-Kind: $26,500.

*****

Project Title: Management of Honey Bee Diseases Using Lysozyme

Principal Investigator: Name: Dr. Stephen F. Pernal Address: AAFC Beaverlodge, Box 29 Email: [email protected] 1 Research Road, Fax: 780-354-8171 Beaverlodge, AB

Tel: 780-354-5135 T0H 0C0

Co-Investigators: Name: Mr. Adony Melathopoulos Name: Mr. Mr. Guopeng (John) Zhang Address: AAFC Beaverlodge Address: Neova Technologies Inc. Box 29, 1 Research Road 31212 Peardonville Rd., Beaverlodge, AB Abbotsford, BC T0H 0C0 V2T 6K8 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Fax: 780-354-8171 Fax: 604-859-2679 ext. 344 Tel: 780-354-5130 Tel: 604-509-0695

Abstract: The use of oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTC) for the treatment and control of American foulbrood (AFB) has become problematic as resistance to the antibiotic has evolved. Lysozyme is a ubiquitous lytic enzyme that inhibits a broad spectrum of gram positive bacteria and is presently used in food preservation and pharmaceutical applications. Laboratory trials were conducted to evaluate the toxicity of lysozyme to larval and adult worker bees and its effectiveness for treating AFB. Acute oral toxicity tests for adult worker bees ( Apis mellifera L.) demonstrated that lysozyme is virtually non-toxic, having a 24-h LD 50 value of >6400 g a.i./bee. Consumption of daily doses of lysozyme ≤ 511 µg per bee did not significantly affect worker mortality after 19 days, however the highest dose of 3822 µg per bee showed almost complete mortality ( F=74.91; df=14,30; P<.0001). Our results suggest that worker longevity would not be affected by orally administering lysozyme at doses as high as 485 g per colony. In vitro larval rearing assays demonstrated that lysozyme is toxic to larval worker honeybees at levels greater that 4% (w/w) in the larval diet and is partially therapeutic for larvae infected with Paenibacillus larvae at a dose of 0.005%. Lysozyme does not appear to prevent AFB infections to the extent of other commercial treatments currently in use, but it does appear to have some limited therapeutic value. Previous laboratory trials have shown that lysozyme has inhibitory action against the fungus Ascophaera apis , the causative agent of the brood disease chalkbrood. In vitro larval rearing assays showed that lysozyme is very effective for the treatment of larvae infected with Ascophaera apis at levels of 0.75 and 1.5 % in the larval diet. Further experiments at the colony level will establish a therapeutic dose of lysozyme for the treatment of chalkbrood, a disease for which there are currently no registered chemotherapeutic agents.

Start Date: 1 May 2005 End Date: 31 March 2008

Total Current Funding: $ 82,400

Funding Sources: Cash: AAFC MII ($52,400), Neova Technologies ($17,000), Canadian Bee Research Fund ($5,000), Alberta Beekeepers Association ($5,000), Alberta Honey Producers’ Cooperative ($3,000). In-Kind: $22,400.

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Saskatchewan

Project title: Genetic marker determination

Principle Investigator:

Name: Dr. Albert Robertson Address: Email: [email protected] Fax: Telephone: 306-373-9140

Co-Investigators (including graduate students):

Name: Address: Email: Fax: Telephone:

Abstract: The primary objectives of this project were to (1) evaluate varroa and tracheal mite tolerance in selected Canadian and Russian honeybee lines in a Saskatchewan environment and (2) to begin searching for DNA markers linked to varroa and tracheal mite resistance, by screening markets identified as distinguishing Russian honeybees from Canadian lines.

Start Date: 2004

End Date: 2005

Total Funding for Project: $40,000

Funding Sources: CBRF $14,500 and CARDS $15,000

*****

Project title: Saskatchewan Beekeepers Honey Bee Breeding Program

Principle Investigator:

Name: Dr. Albert Robertson Address: Email: [email protected] Fax: Telephone: 306-373-9140

Co-Investigators (including graduate students):

Name: John Gruszka Address: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food, Box`3003, 800 Central Ave Prince Albert, Saskatchewan S6V 6G1 Email: [email protected] Fax: 306-953-2440 Telephone 306-953-2790

Abstract:

To breed gentle, productive honey bee colonies with tolerance to mites and brood diseases. Bee stock demonstrating potential mite tolerance and beneficial economic traits will be accessed throughout the world, as well as from Canadian populations and established at an isolated apiary designated “Saskatraz”. Colonies will be infected with tracheal and varroa mites, no chemical treatments will be made and natural selection will be used to identify tolerant phenotypes. Other economic beneficial traits will be combined with mite tolerance and the best selections will be released on a yearly basis to Saskatchewan queen breeders to multiply for commercial producers

Start Date: 2006

End Date: 2008

Total Funding for Project: $130,635

Funding Sources: Agriculture Development Fund (Sk)

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Manitoba

Project title: Formic acid fumigation of honey bee packages.

Principle Investigator: Name: Currie, R.W. Address: Dept. of Entomology Email: [email protected] Fax: (204) 474-7628 Telephone: (204) 474-6022

Co-Investigators: Name: Paul Kozak (Research Associate, MSc candidate) Email: [email protected] Address: see above

Abstract: The objective of this project was to determine the feasibility of fumigating packages of honey bees to control the varroa mite. Two-pound packages (1.4 kg) of bees were exposed to formic acid and

oxalic acid fumigation at different concentrations and exposure periods and the impact of the treatment on honey bee workers, and mites was assessed.

Start Date: June, 2005 End Date: March 15, 2006

Total Funding for Project: $9,000/yr for 1 year

Funding Sources : Covering New Ground, Manitoba Beekeepers Association

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Project title: Integrating Chemical Control and Host Resistance to Increase Treatment Thresholds for Varroa destructor.

Principle Investigator: Name: Currie, R.W. Address: Dept. of Entomology Email: [email protected] Fax: (204) 474-7628 Telephone: (204) 474-6022

Co-Investigators: Name: Suresh Desai (Ph.D. candidate) Email: Suresh Desai [email protected]

Name: Paul Kozak (M.Sc. candidate) Email: [email protected]

Name: Rassol Bahreni (Ph.D. candidate) Email: [email protected]

Name: Lisa Babey (Research Technician), Email: [email protected]

Name: Linda Klymochko (Research Technician) Name: Erica Lowe (summer student)

Address: See above

Abstract: Experiments were conducted to evaluate the mechanisms of varroa mite grooming behaviour in lines of bees that were selected for their ability to reduce their mite load. Queens were reared from the stock and instrumentally inseminated for further testing and material was provided to Manitoba queen breeders so that it could be propagated and tested in commercial operations. Stock was evaluated for hygienic behaviour, as well as for tolerance to varroa and other honey bee diseases and parasites. The effects of ventilation rates on the efficacy of mite grooming will be evaluated in the winter of 06/07 to determine if manipulation of this parameter might be combined with bee genetics to provide good suppression of mite population growth. Late season (early winter)

treatments of selected and unselected stock with formic acid were initiated in November of 2006 and efficacy in each line of bees will be monitored throughout 2007.

Start Date: March, 2005 End Date: March, 2008 Total Funding for Project: $~53,000/year for 3 years Funding Sources: CBRF, ARDI, Manitoba Beekeepers Association, Manitoba Queen Breeders Association, Boone, Hodgkins, Wilkinson Trust Fund, Medivet, Mann Lake

**************************** Ontario

Project title: Delivery Methods of Organic Pesticides for the Control of Varroa Mites ( Varroa destructor ) in Honeybee ( Apis mellifera ) Colonies

Principle Investigator: Name: Ernesto Guzman Address: Department of Environmental Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph ON N1G 2W1 Email: [email protected] Fax: (519) 837-0442 Telephone: (519) 824-4120 Ext. 53609

Co-Investigators (including graduate students): Name: Hanan Gashout, Berna Emsen, Paul G. Kelly Address: Same as above Email Fax: Same as above Telephone: Same as above

Abstract: This year the project was assigned to Hanan Gashout, a graduate student at my lab. During 2006, we tested more than 20 materials as carriers of natural miticides, with the objective of increasing the products’ time of release as well as their efficacy. The carriers that allowed a longer time of miticide release were a food-grade gel, meat pads and homosote (fiber wood) coated with wax. We also found that miticides applied as dust or liquid or mixed with mineral oil showed an extended period of evaporation. Two of the experimental carriers were selected to test them with three natural miticides in field colonies. The natural miticides were selected after screening 22 organic components in the lab; varroa mites were exposed to these products and the three compounds that caused more mite mortality were chosen for the field experiments. These products were thymol, origanum oil and clove oil. We are still conducting the field trails and expect to have results by next spring. Additionally, experiments on toxicity of natural miticides to adult bees and brood will be conducted in 2007.

Start Date: April 2005

End Date: March 2008

Total Funding for Project: 84,000.00

Funding Sources: OMAFRA, CHC

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Project title: Diluents and Cryoprotectants to Preserve Honeybee (Apis mellifera ) Spermatozoa

Principle Investigator: Name: Ernesto Guzman

Address: Department of Environmental Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph ON N1G 2W1 Email: [email protected] Fax: (519) 837-0442 Telephone: (519) 824-4120 Ext. 53609

Co-Investigators (including graduate students): Name: Megan Taylor, Paul G. Kelly Address: Same as above Email Fax: Same as above Telephone: Same as above

Abstract: The study will determine some factors that affect the overall quality of frozen honeybee semen. We will try to find out what diluent components and what cryoprotectants (substances that prevent the rupture of spermatozoa membranes when freezing procedures are used) increase or decrease spermatozoa viability. We will also test various diluent:semen ratios to find out which one provides the highest spermatozoa viability. We expect to be able to develop optimal diluents and diluent:semen ratios, as well as to select an optimal cryoprotectant by the end of the study. This summer, miss Taylor gained experience on the different techniques needed to conduct the study. She learnt how to collect semen, how to prepare diluents and how to determine its viability in the lab; she also practiced deep-freezing techniques used to preserve semen of farm animals. We are working in collaboration with Dr. Mary Buhr, a very experienced researcher in semen preservation working for the Department of Animal Science at the University of Guelph. Preliminary results suggest that diluents containing antioxidant components increase the viability of preserved honeybee semen.

Start Date: April 2006

End Date: March 2008

Total Funding for Project: 48,000.00

Funding Sources: NSERC

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Project title: Genetic Effects on Traits of Evolutionary and Economic Importance in Honeybees (Apis mellifera )

Co-Investigators (including graduate students):

Name: Peter Unger, Paul G. Kelly, Felipe Becerra Address: Same as above Email Fax: Same as above Telephone: Same as above

Abstract: This study is expected to generate information that will help in the breeding of varroa- resistant, productive and gentle honeybees. Moreover, the study has implications about the evolution of social behaviour in insect societies. We will determine if there are genetic correlations among four honeybee behaviours (hygienic, grooming, foraging and defensive behaviours). Additionally, we will test for dominance effects of these behaviours, using four different strains of honeybees that are currently reared in Ontario, as well as Africanized and European bees in Mexico. The four behaviours will be studied in parental and hybrid colonies in field and observation hives. Some data has been collected this year, but we still do not have results to report.

Start Date: April 2006

End Date: March 2010

Total Funding for Project: 104,000.00

Funding Sources: NSERC

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Project title: Heritability of Mechanisms of Resistance Against Varroa Mites ( Varroa destructor ) in Honeybees ( Apis mellifera )

Co-Investigators (including graduate students): Name: Laura G. Espinoza, Hugo Montaldo Address: Same as above Email Fax: Same as above Telephone: Same as above

Abstract: This is a project that is being conducted in Mexico under my advisory by Laura Espinoza (graduate student). The objective is to determine which behavioural mechanisms of worker bees confer more resistance to honeybees against the varroa mite and how heritable they are. Results suggest that hygienic and grooming behaviour explain most of the resistance found in bee colonies.

Start Date: April 2004

End Date: March 2007

Total Funding for Project: 58,000.00

Funding Sources: CONACYT-MEXICO

*****

Project title: Genetic Basis of Honeybee ( Apis mellifera ) Defensive Behaviour

Co-Investigators (including graduate students): Name: Jose L. Uribe, Greg J. Hunt, Miguel E. Arechavaleta, Carlos G. Vazquez, Gene Robinson Address: Same as above Email Fax: Same as above Telephone: Same as above

Abstract: This is an international project that involves the collaboration of several institutions: the National University of Mexico, Purdue University (USA), the University of Illinois (USA) and the University of Guelph. The main objective of the project is to study the defensive behaviour of honeybees at the colony and individual levels, using stocks of bees that differ for this characteristic (European and Africanized bees). We study the guarding, pursuing and stinging tasks of honeybees and we perform different crosses to collect samples of bees performing the behaviour in order to study their genome with DNA techniques. We look for expression in candidate genes that may be associated to the above tasks.

Start Date: April 2004

End Date: March 2008

Total Funding for Project: 82,000.00

Funding Sources: CONACYT-MEXICO

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Quebec Comparison of the performance of selected bee stocks available in Quebec and Ontario

Comparaison des performances et sélection génétique de lignées d’abeilles mellifères disponibles au Québec et en Ontario.

Principle Investigator: Name: Pierre Giovenazzo Ph.D. candidate Address: CRSAD, 120 A Chemin du Roy, Deschambault, Québec G0A 1S0 Telephone: (418) 656-2131 8081

Co-Investigators: Name: Émile Houle Address: CRSAD

Abstract: Selected bee stocks are obtained from four Quebec queen breeders (Reines Chapleau, Reines Moreau, ApiCulture and CRSAD) and from one Ontario queen breeder (Kelly Rogers) participating in the Ontario bee breeding project. Each breeder offers two of his best lines (10 nucs per line) for evaluation. Colonies are randomly distributed on the different bee yards available at the Centre de recherche en sciences animales de Deschambault (near Quebec city). Dependant variables measured are: varroa population growth, honey production, hygienic behaviour, defensive behaviour, bee diseases, swarming behaviour, honey bee and brood population (summer- fall-spring), hive weight and colony winter survival.

Start Date: Spring 2005 End Date: Fall 2006

Total Funding for Project: $86 000 ($56 000 en argent)

Funding Sources: Ministère de l’agriculture des pêcheries et de l’alimentation du Québec : Programme d’appui financier aux associations de producteurs désignées – Volet 4 « Initiatives » Centre de recherche en sciences animales de Deshambault Fédérations de Apiculteurs du QuébecMéthodes alternatives de contrôle des populations de Varroa destructor et d’ Acarapis woodi dans les ruches du Québec.

*****

Evaluation of alternative methods for the control of Varroa destructor and Acarapis woodi Quebec hives.

Principle Investigator: Name: Pierre Giovenazzo Ph.D. candidate Address: CRSAD, 120 A Chemin du Roy, Deschambault, Québec G0A 1S0 Telephone: (418) 656-2131 8081

Name: Pascal Dubreuil Address: Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, 3200 rue Sicotte, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, J2S 7C6 Telephone: 450-773-8521 poste 18266

Co-Investigators Name: Georges Martin M.sc. candidate Address: Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, 3200 rue Sicotte, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, J2S 7C6 Telephone: 450-773-8521 poste 18266

Abstract:

L’objectif de cette recherche est de contrôler les populations de Varroa destructor et d’ Acarapis woodi dans les ruches du Québec en minimisant l’utilisation d’insecticides de synthèse. Le projet vise spécifiquement la mise en place d’une stratégie de lutte intégrée par l’utilisation de produits d’origine organique (acides organiques et le thymol) et l’utilisation de moyens biotechniques. Le projet de recherche comprend 8 protocoles expérimentaux qui se déroulent dans deux régions de la province. Les différents protocoles utilisent des ruches appartenant à des apiculteurs de la région montérégienne et des ruches du Centre de recherche en sciences animales de Deschambault

Start Date: mai 2005 End Date: mai 2008

Total Funding for Project: $335,000 ($175 000 en argent)

Funding Sources: Conseil pour le développement de l’agriculture du Québec, Ministère de l’agriculture des pêcheries et de l’alimentation du Québec : Programme d’appui financier aux associations de producteurs désignées – Volet 4 « Initiatives » Centre de recherche en sciences animales de Deshambault Fédérations de Apiculteurs du Québec

Travaux de recherche préliminaires sur la santé de l’abeille

*****

Preliminary research on different aspects of bee health

Principle Investigator: Name : Pierre Giovenazzo Ph.D. candidate Address : CRSAD, 120 A Chemin du Roy, Deschambault, Québec G0A 1S0 Telephone: (418) 656-2131 8081

Co-Investigators: Name: Émile Houle Address: CRSAD

Name: Pascal Dubreuil

Address: Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, 3200 rue Sicotte, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, J2S 7C6 Telephone: 450-773-8521 poste 18266

Abstract: Preliminary research trials are undertaken on different aspects of bee health troughout the beekeeping season (bee nutrition, bee parasites, queen quality). The goal is to determine and elaborate specific research protocols for the near future that will help resolve actual problems of our beekeepers.

Start Date: June 2006 End Date: September 2007

Total Funding for Project: $25 000

Funding Sources: Ministère de l’agriculture des pêcheries et de l’alimentation du Québec; Centre de recherche en sciences animales de Deshambault.

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APPENDIX I

Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists

Canadian Honey Council

8th National Apiculture Research-Planning Workshop

Langley, British Columbia January 24, 2007

Editor: P. van Westendorp

Contents

1. Introduction 58

2. Reports

2.1 Review of the Canadian Beekeeping Industry 2001 - 2005 (F. Makki) 59

2.2 Review of Previous Research Workshops 61

2.3 Summary of Research Priorities of Previous Workshops 62

2.4 Review of Research Progress 2001 - Present 66

2.5 Apiculture Research and Extension Personnel 72

2.6 Apiculture Research Funding 73

2.7 Research Funding Sources 74

3. Research Priorities and Recommendations

3.1 Research Recommendations – Canadian Honey Council 75

3.2 Current and Future Apiculture Research Conditions 76

3.3 Categorized Research Priorities 78

3.4 Emerging Issues and Recommendations 79

4. List of Participants 81

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists and the Canadian Honey Council held an Apiculture Research Planning Workshop on the 26 th of January in Langley, British Columbia. The purpose of the research workshop was to assess the current status of the industry and its research infrastructure, to review the objectives of past workshops, to assess the progress that has been made in reaching those objectives and finally, to establish research priorities and recommendations for the next five years.

Many individuals contributed information to the reports presented at this meeting and their involvement helped to make the workshop a success. Summaries of their reports are contained within section 2 of the proceedings. Participants included representatives of industry, extension and research personnel from across Canada. Research priorities that were established during the workshop and the "Emerging Issues and Recommendations" relating to research personnel and funding are highlighted in section 3. Section 4 lists the participants.

The workshop discussions made it evident that the Canadian beekeeping industry will continue to face many challenges in the coming years that need to be addressed through further research. In order to assist in solving these problems, there is an urgent need to strengthen the existing research and extension community. Research priorities and recommendations proposed at this workshop provide a strategic plan to guide the industry in meeting its goals over the next five years.

Paul van Westendorp Research Committee Chair Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists

2.0 REPORTS

2.1 Review Of The Canadian Beekeeping Industry 2001 – 2006 (F. Makki)

Summary The following summarizes some of the most important issues and events faced by the Canadian honey industry during the period 2001-2006:

• In March 2002, chloramphenicol was detected in imported Chinese honey, which led to a Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) recall of all products containing Chinese honey. As a result, Argentina became the single largest source of honey imports for that year, exceeding China for the first time.

• In May 2004, the CFIA lifted the ban on the importation of honeybee queens from the continental U.S. which allowed beekeepers in Alberta to import some 10,000 queens from the U.S. in the spring of that year.

• In 2005-2006 lower wholesale honey prices adversely affected the market. In a matter of months, wholesale prices fell from around $1.60 per pound to less than $1 per pound, mainly as a result of a massive influx of low-priced Chinese honey on world markets and particularly on the US market, which accounts for about 85% of our export market.

• The abrupt collapse in wholesale prices led a number of beekeepers associations in Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan to request a “stay of default” under the Advance Payments Program two years in a row, as they were unable to repay their loans during the 2004-2005 and 2005- 2006 crop years.

• After a year of fund raising for the registration of oxalic acid, the Canadian Honey council (CHC) submitted an application for registration to the PMRA on January 10, 2005. On October 03, 2005 the PMRA announced that oxalic acid has been approved for the treatment of varroa mites on honeybees.

• Upon industry requests and active lobbying from the CHC, the CFIA recently proposed amendments to the Honey Regulations with new requirements for using Canada grade names for honey and minor modifications to the country of origin labeling requirement based on input from industry stakeholders and the results of focus groups conducted in June 2006.

Canadian Honey Bee Population The Canadian honey bee population peaked at about 700,000 hives in the mid-eighties and dropped to around 500,000 hives in the early nineties. However, in the past decade the number of hives has slowly risen to reach just over 600,000 in 2001. Preliminary estimates indicate that the number of hives was 631,252 in 2006, representing a 2.6% increase from 2005 and a 6.4% increase compared to the 5-year average.

The number of Canadian beekeepers appears to be stabilizing around 8,000 after a continuous downward trend over the last 10 years. This clearly indicates that while there are fewer beekeepers, the average number of hives per beekeeper is on the increase. For 2006, it is estimated that on average

59 there were 79 colonies per beekeeper, up from 65 in 2000. Alberta had the highest average in 2006 with 345 hives per beekeeper, while BC had the lowest average with 24 hives per beekeeper.

Canadian Honey Yields and Prices The estimated average yield for 2006 was 156 pounds per colony, up 21% from the previous year, and was the second highest yield in the last 10 years. The average yield for the preceding 5-year period was 132 pounds per pound.

The value of the Canadian honey crop reached an all-time high of $161 million in 2002, thanks to a combination of an above average production and almost record-high average wholesale prices of $1.97 per pound in 2002. Average prices peaked in 2003 when they reached $ 2.04 per pound and fell to $1.60/lb in 2004 and around $0.80 in 2005. Lower wholesale prices for honey in 2005 adversely affected the market pushing many beekeepers to rent their hives for pollination purposes rather than to extract the honey. This downward trend in prices was caused by a massive influx of low-priced Chinese honey on world markets and particularly in the US market, which absorbs about 85% of our honey exports. The availability of large amounts of low-priced Chinese and Argentinean honey on the world market in 2005 led most North American honey packers to source an ever-increasing portion of their needs from offshore, particularly China, resulting in an unprecedented build-up of Canadian honey inventory levels. This factor along with a worldwide decrease in honey consumption triggered a rapid decline in honey prices in Canada, as well as in our traditional markets, namely the United States and Europe.

Canadian Honey Imports and Exports Canada is a net exporter of honey. Canadian honey exports peaked in 2002 when they reached almost 22 million kg with a value of almost $88 million, but have since fallen to around 12 million kg while the value has dropped to around $30 million due to much lower prices on the world market. Imports of honey into Canada peaked at 13.4 million kg in 1996, then leveled off to about 2-3 million kg until 2000 and have been growing steadily since then reaching 8.9 million kg in the calendar year 2004. Total Canadian honey imports for the calendar year 2005 were 8.2 million kg, up 4.5% compared to the 5-year average.

Argentina captured 38% of the Canadian import market for honey, while imports from China represented 30% and Australian honey captured 19% of that market in 2005. Although China and Argentina together account for 70-80% of our imports in the last few years, it appears that since 2002, following the CFIA recall of Chinese honey related to chloramphenicol residues, Argentina has taken the lead from China.

Outlook for the Canadian Honey Industry According to preliminary estimates Canada’s 2006 honey crop is around 44.6 million kg, which is 26% higher than the 5-year average and the second largest crop in the last 10 years. Prices offered to Canadian beekeepers for raw honey appear to be rising, although this recovery, spurred by the latest developments on the world honey market, is relatively slow.

Honey imports from low-cost producing countries such as China and Argentina which have been a source of concern over the last few years, do not seem to be causing as much downward pressure on prices as last year as the quantities imported from those countries have significantly dropped. This is probably due to a combination of factors including a short honey crop and increased domestic consumption in China, a delay in the 2006 crop in Argentina and pre-selling of the crop in the fall of 2005 and a recent (March 2006) ban on imports of Brazilian honey in the European Union, eliminating 35-50 million pounds of honey from EU import requirements.

In 2006, the New Shipper legislation passed both the House and the Senate in the US closing once and for all the loophole for exporting duty-free honey from China to the US. Passage of this bill has already raised raw honey prices in the US and this trend should continue as long as demand for honey exceeds supply.

2.2 Review of Previous Apiculture Research Workshops

Since 1970 there have been seven Apiculture Research Workshops. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (formerly Agriculture Canada) and the Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists (CAPA) jointly sponsored five workshops from 1970 until 1989, while the 1996 workshop was conducted by CAPA. The first Apiculture Research Workshop in Canada was organized by the Dominion Apiarist and held in Banff, Alberta in 1951.

- 2001 - Moncton, New Brunswick - 1996 - Ottawa, Ontario - 1989 - Winnipeg, Manitoba - 1986 - Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island - 1981 - Toronto, Ontario - 1977 - Victoria, British Columbia - 1970 - Ottawa, Ontario

Until the mid-1980s, apiculture research priorities in Canada were focused on wintering and production management. After the introduction of tracheal mites in 1984 and Varroa mites in 1987 in North America, research was focused on disease control. To lower the dependency on honeybee imports, emphasis was also placed at self sufficiency, queen breeding and stock selection for disease and pest resistance. Concerns about potential declines in honeybee populations also demanded research on alternative pollinators and crop pollination.

In 2001, the Canadian Honey Council (CHC) and CAPA ranked research priorities within two major categories, General Apicultural Research and Pollination Research. Continuing industry problems with parasitic mites, despite the availability of registered control products, directed General Apicultural Research towards developing more efficient methods of using “current tools”, developing and testing new control methods, preventing mite resistance, bee breeding, studying mite population dynamics and studying disease-pest interactions.

Pollination Research priorities were identified and included; o Impacts of pesticides on honey bees and hive products, o Increasing efficiency of honey bees for crop pollination, o Quantifying the economic contribution of honey bee pollination to the agricultural sector, o Developing economic thresholds for specific crops, and o Studying native pollinators.

2.3 Summary of Research Priorities of Previous Workshops

Workshop Research Priorities Details 2001, Moncton, NB A. Apiculture - Diseases, parasites, pests Improved mite control use Alternative mite control under Canadian conditions

- Queen breeding/Stock selection Selection for mite resistance

1996, Ottawa, ON A. Apiculture - Diseases, parasites, pests Pest/disease interactions, economic impact and control Improved use of current mite controls Alternative mite controls Pheromone-based controls HBTM build-up, spread / impact - Stock selection and breeding Selection for mite resistance Mating control - Colony management Pheromone-based swarm control - Impacts of chemical controls

B. Pollination - Pesticide pollinator interactions Pesticide impact on colonies / potential hive product contamination Less hazardous agricultural pesticides

- Pollination / plant studies Improving honey bee pollination management

Pheremones to enhance pollination Value of pollinators and crop pollination thresholds Relative value of honey bees and native pollinators.

- Native pollinators Biology, habitat & conservation

1989, Winnipeg, MB A. Apiculture - Mites Detection (HBTM) Production/maintenance of mite-free stock (HBTM) Control products (both mites) Economic impacts (both mites) Cultural controls Integrated pest management

- Residues in hive products

- Value of bees for pollination - Management of self-sufficiency - Pollination requirements of crops - Chemical and Non-chemical control of diseases

B. Leafcutter Bees - Pathogens – prevention/control - Parasites and predators – biology and control - Causes of mortality in immature bees - Use of leafcutter bees in other crops - Management studies Equipment evaluations Optimum densities of bees Sex ratios Combining honey bees and leafcutter bees

- Leafcutter bee stock selection

C.Commodity Specific Pollination - Tree fruits Oil seeds - Field crops Forage legumes

- Small fruits - Greenhouse crops - Special crops - Pollination for sustainable agriculture

1986 Charlottetown, A. Apiculture PEI - Diseases and pests - Bee supply - Colony management - Stock Improvement - Pesticide-pollinator interactions - Bee botany

B. Industry Related Research - Marketing related research - Human health - Financial management

1981, Toronto, ON A. Production - Stock selection and breeding - Diseases and pests - Improved colony management

B. Regulations - Chemicals - Evaluation of pesticides

C. Utilization

D. Marketing

E. Education

1977, Victoria, BC A. Production - Stock selection and breeding - diseases and pests - Improved colony management

B. Utilization - Nectar production and pollination of specific crops - New nectar and pollen sources

C Regulations - Chemicals - Evaluation of pesticides

D. Marketing

E. Education

1970, Ottawa, ON A. Marketing and Products Res.

B. Management for Honey and Pollen Production

C. Wintering

D. Pollination

E. Honey Producing Plants

F. Bee Disease

1951, Banff, AB A. Queen breeding Progeny testing of improved strains (C.A. Jamieson, by longevity, flight activity and Dominion Apiarist) honey production. Artificial insemination for development of hybrid lines.

B. Bee Diseases AFB; control studies with antibiotics and drugs, spore survival tests in soil, disinfectants with lye, fumigation tests with caboxide, irradiation of spore material in scale, wax, capped cells and honey. Sacbrood, effectiveness of various

antibiotics and drugs.

C. Pollination Survey of pollinating insects on cherries and pears in Niagara District

- Legumes Honey bee population densities for maximum seed set Efficiency of honeybees vs native pollinators for cross pollination Weather, soil conditions and interactions regarding honeybee floral visitation Effect of injurious insects of seed set Toxicity of insecticides to honey bees, nectar concentration and volume as a factor in seed set Different color marking agents for identification of honey bees in field Effect of soil, liming, cutting, etc. on growth & nectar secretion of sweet clover.

D. Management - Wintering Efficacy testing of insulating materials for wintering bees Effect of heating on wintering and spring colony development.

- Production Division of colonies for increased production.

E. Honey - Processing Factors affecting honey crystallization to improve processing of liquid honey Factors affecting stability of re- crystallized honey.

F. Research Recommendations - Processing Development of heating/cooling equipment for pasteurizing honey Study of honey fermentation to develop honey wine.

- Diseases and Controls EFB control and studies to determine causal agent of the disease Efficacy of antibiotics and drugs to control AFB Determination of stability of sulfa drugs in honey.

2.4 Review Of Research Progress 2001 – Present

Canadian bee-research projects conducted between 1996 and 2000 are listed below with information submitted by all Canadian bee researchers. Research projects are grouped by province and institution.

Simon Fraser University, Burnaby B.C. (Mark L. Winston & Higo) Year(s) Investigator(s) Project 1997-02 S. Pernal A semiochemical trapping system for varroa mites S. Baird K. Slessor A. Birmingham 1999-02 H. Sabara Diversified management systems for pollinating greenhouse R. Whittington tomatoes A. Birmingham N. Rice H. Higo M. Dogterom 2000-04 M. Winston Behavioral and pheromonal factors influencing the organization S. Hoover and evolution of highly social insect colonies K. Slessor H. Higo C.Keeling 2000-04 L. Morandin Effects of GM crops on bees

2000-02 R. Whittington Nutrition and other factors influencing bumblebee colonies in M. Winston commercial greenhouses

2000-05 L. Morandin Agroecosystems and wild bees M. Winston 2000-05 S.E. Hoover Behavioural and pheromonal factors influencing the organization M. Winston of social insect colonies

H. Higo B. Oldroyd 2001-02 H. Higo Supplementary pollination of commercial greenhouse tomatoes N. Rice with honey bees B. Lewis M. Winston 2001-03 A. Birmingham Bumble bee drift in a greenhouse environment M. Winston 2001-05 G. Robinson From genes to behavior: the mode of action of queen pheromone Y. LeConte 2002-03 M. Franklin Effects of clothianidin on Bombus impatiens colony health and L. Morandin foraging ability M. Winston 2003-04 N. Gervan The effects of honey bee queen mandibular pheromone on colony S.E. Hoover defensive behaviour M. Winston

H. Higo

2003-05 C. Ratti Bee diversity and abundance in berry agriculture M. Winston

2005-06 H. Higo Lethal and sublethal effects of imidacloprid and clothianidin on V. Abbott orchard mason and alfalfa leafcutter bees J. Nadeau M. Winston

University of British Columbia (Leonard Foster) Year(s) Investigator(s) Project 2005-10 L. Foster Proteomic analysis of honey bee response to P. larvae infection

B.C. Agriculture, Province of British Columbia (P. van Westendorp) Year(s) Investigator(s) Project 2003 P. van Westendorp Determination of Apistan-resistant Varroa mites in BC. L. Cuthill J. Bunse 2003 P. van Westendorp Efficacy comparison between Apistan, Coumaphos and Follicell J. Bunse to control Varroa mites in honey bee colonies. 2004 P. van Westendorp Determination of Apistan-resistant Varroa mites on Vancouver T. Fredrich Island. 2004 P. van Westendorp Detection and monitoring of Kashmir Bee Virus (KBV) in British R. Richardson Columbia. S. Byrne 2004-05 P. van Westendorp Varroa mite eradication trial on the Sunshine Coast of BC. 2005-06 P. van Westendorp Efficacy of Oxalic Acid and Acetic Acid as Varroa mite controls. J. Bunse 2005-07 P. van Westendorp Bumble bee population enhancement in blueberry plantings. J. Bunse

CPC Crop Pollination Systems, Burnaby, B.C. ( Margriet Dogterom ) Year(s) Investigator (s) Project Title 2001-02 M. Dogterom Stigma pollen counts used as an effective tool to determine how pollination can be optimized in blueberry and cranberry fields. 2001-03 M. Dogterom Investigation of the bushy dwarf virus and its effect on raspberry ovule abortion and fruit yield.

Alberta Agriculture and Food Research Program (M. Nasr) Date(s) Investigator(s) Project M. Nasr On-Farm honey safety study: Chemical residues in honey produced 2004-06 D. Noot in Alberta T. Thmposon

S. Muirhead M. Nasr 2004-06 Determining Varroa economic thresholds in Alberta S. Muirhead R. Panasiuk M. Nasr 2003-07 Development of oxalic acid sublimation applicator: Optimization of S. Muirhead oxalic acid treatments for varroa control R. Panasiuk M. Nasr 2002-08 Development of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program to S. Muirhead Control Honey Bee Parasitic Mites R. Panasiuk M. Nasr 2004-07 Determination of S. Muirhead R. Panasiuk M. Nasr 2005- 07 Evaluation of commercially available pollen supplementary diets S. Muirhead for feeding honey bees R. Panasiuk M. Nasr 2006- 08 Efficacy studies of Exomite, Apilife var, formic acid and oxalic S. Muirhead acid on Varroa and tracheal mites under Alberta conditions. R. Panasiuk M. Nasr 2005-06 Eco-sources of antibiotics in honey S. Muirhead

Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, Beaverlodge, AB (Don Nelson) Year(s) Investigator(s) Project 2001-03 D. Nelson Management of oxytetracycline resistant American Foulbrood A. Melathopoulos disease in honey bees. D. Colter D. Noot K. Manninen P. Sporns 2001-02 P. Mills Bee degree day programming D. Nelson

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge, AB (S. Pernal) Date(s) Investigator(s) Project 2002-06 D. Noot Integrated Management of Oxytetracycline-Resistant American T. Thompson Foulbrood (AFB) Disease in Honey Bees K. Manninen A. Misko W. Walter M. Lunam C. White

D. Munro P. Mills A. Melathopoulos D. Nelson S. Pernal (P.I.) 2003-07 P. Mills RFID Hive Management and Traceability S. Pernal (P.I.) 2005-07 J. Zhang Management of Honey Bee Diseases Using Lysozyme A. Van Haga D. Munro A. Melathopoulos S. Pernal (P.I.)

University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Sask.: (A.R. Davis) Year(s) Investigator(s) Project 2000-04 K. Lew Nectar-carbohydrate composition of canola and borage in Western N. Low Canada A.R. Davis 2001-03 M. Taylor Studies of floral characteristics indicative of high nectar A.R. Davis carbohydrate production in canola 2003-06 T.J. Wist Pollination biology of Narrow Leaved Purple Coneflower A.R. Davis (Echinacea angustifolia ) 2003-06 T.J. Wist Nectar secretion studies in two Echinacea spp. A.R. Davis 2005-08 W.D. Caswell Pollination biology of purple loosestrife ( Lythrum salicaria ) A.R. Davis 2005-08 W.D. Caswell Nectar secretion studies in two Lythrum spp. A.R. Davis 2005-08 A.R. Davis Damage caused to Varroa mites caused by three ant species. D. Bikey A. Mirakhur 2006-09 A.R. Davis Studies of the filtering functions of the honey bee proventriculus. D. Bikey A. Mirakhur 2006-09 J. Stolar Pollination biology of the Western Red Lily ( Lilium A.R. Davis philadelphicum ). 2006-09 J. Stolar Nectar secretion studies in two Lilium spp. A.R. Davis

Saskatchewan Beekeepers Association, Sask.: (A. Robertson - J. Gruszka) Year(s) Investigator(s) Project 2004-05 A. Robertson Genetic marker determination 2006-08 A. Robertson Saskatchewan beekeepers honey bee breeding program – J. Gruszka “Saskatraz”

University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba (R.W. Currie)

Year(s) Investigator(s) Project 1999-01 D. Ostermann Interactions of between varroa, chalkbrood, Nosema, and the R. Currie environment in colonies treated with formic acid. 2001-06 R. Underwood The use of formic acid for control of Varroa destructor Anderson R. Currie and Trueman and other pests in overwintering honey bee Apis mellifera L. colonies. 1994-96 P. Kozak Relationship of winter brood rearing to reproduction of varroa and R. Currie efficacy of winter formic acid treatments 1995-98 S. Desai Mechanism of resistance to honey bee parasites and disease R. Currie interactions. 1996-02 R. Currie Factors associated with bee mortality in Off-spec corn syrup fed to honey bees 1995-96 R. Currie Fumigation of Package bees with formic and oxalic acid to control E. Smirl varroa P. Kozak 1996-98 R. Currie Integrating chemical control, host resistance and the wintering S. Bahreini environment to increase treatment thresholds for Varroa destructor

University of Guelph, Guelph Ontario, OMAF: (E. Guzman) Date(s) Investigator(s) Project 2005-08 E. Guzman Delivery methods of organic pesticides for the control of varroa H. Gashout mites B. Emsen P.G. Kelly 2006-08 E. Guzman Diluents and cryoprotectants to preserve honeybee spermatozoa M. Taylor P.G. Kelly 2006-10 E. Guzman Genetic effects on traits of evolutionary and economic importance P. Unger in honeybees P.G. Kelly F. Becerra 2004-07 E. Guzman Heritability of mechanisms of resistance against varroa mites in L. Espinoza honeybees H. Montaldo

2004-08 E. Guzman Genetic basis of honeybee defensive behaviour J.L. Uribe G.J. Hunt M. Arechavaleta C. Vazquez

Ontario Beekeeper's Association Tech-Transfer Program and OMAFRA (Nasr/McRory/Skinner) Date(s) Investigator(s) Project 2000-02 G. Wilson Evaluation of Russian bee resistance to varroa mites and their M. Nasr economic traits (G. Wilson’s M. Sc. Project) P. Kevan 2000-02 G. Wilson Study of population dynamics of varroa mites in honey bees in M. Nasr Ontario 2001-06 A. Skinner Breeding and Maintaining Parasitic Mite Resistant Honey Bee Stocks 2001-06 A. Skinner Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program to Control Honey Bee Parasitic Mites 2001 A. Skinner Management Practices to Reduce Pesticide Damage in Corn 2006 A. Skinner Maintaining Food Safety in the Honey Bee Industry. Studies in contaminants and residues

M.A.P.A.Q. Deschambeault, Quebec ( P. Giovenazzo) Year (s) Investigator (s) Project 2005-06 P. Giovenazzo Comparison of the performance of selected bee stocks available in E. Houle Quebec and Ontario

Agriculture and Agrifood Canada, Kentville Nova Scotia (Kenna MacKenzie) Year(s) Investigator(s) Project 1999-02 K.E. MacKenzie Genetics and wild blueberry pollination K. Burgher L. Eaton M. Myra Development of a Maritime-specific management system for alfalfa 2000-03 S.K. Javorek leafcutting bees used for wild blueberry pollination K.E. MacKenzie

2.5 Apiculture Research and Extension Personnel

The following tables summarize the number of personnel available to teach or conduct apicultural research and/or communicate research results to the Canadian beekeeping industry (Prepared by C. Scott-Dupree).

Personnel – Provincial Government

Province Provincial Apiary Inspectors No. No. Total PPY - Apiarist Specialist (TPY / #) Positions Positions TPYs (PPY / #) (PPY / #) Currently Available Present/Past Available 2007-2012 Review Period BC 1.0 / 1 0 2.0 / 8 0 0 3.0 / 5.5 Alberta 0.6 / 1 0 0.25 / 1 0 0 0.85 / 2.0 Sask. 1.0 / 1 0 0.5 / 2 0 1 1.5 / 1.5 Manitoba 1.0 / 1 1.0 / 1 0.7 / 5 0 0 2.7 / 3.1 Ontario 1.0 / 1 0 2.9 / 20 0 0 3.9 / 3.9 Quebec 1 / 8* 0.3 / 1 0 1 / 8** 0 0 1.3 / 2.3 Nova Scotia 0.1 / 1 0 0.5 / 1 0 0 0.6 / 1 NB 0.3 / 1 0.2 / 1 0.5 / 9 0 0 1 / 0.5 PEI 0.2 / 2 0.2 / 1 0.1 / 1 0 0 0.5 / 0.5 NFLD 0 0.1 / 1 0 0 0 0.1 / 0.1 Totals 5.5 / 10 1.5 / 4 8.0 / 63 0 1 15.45 / 20.4 * - Eight inspectors trained for bee inspections but not dedicated to this job ** - Eight veterinarians in charge of provincial bee health programs throughout Quebec

Federal and Provincial Research Institutions

Research Institutions Scientists Technical Positions No. Positions Total PPY-TPYs (PPY / #) Pos’n Currently 2007 – 2012 Present/Past (TPY / #) Available Review Period

Beaverlodge – AAFC 1.0 / 1 1.6 / 2 0 0 2.6 / 2.0 Lethbridge – AAFC 0 0 0 0 0 / 0.7 Kentville – AAFC 0.5 / 2 0 0 0 0.5 / 1.8 Alberta Ag-Research 0.4 / 1 2.0 / 2* 0 0 2.4 / 3 Dechambeault - Laval 0.3 / 1 2.2 / 3 0 0 2.5 / 2.5 Totals 2.2 / 5 3.8 / 7 0 0 8.0 / 10.0 * one salaried technical person

Personnel - Universities

University Academic Technical Grad Grad Student Academic Total PPY - Pos'n Pos’n Students Pos’n Available Pos’n TPYs (PPY / #) (TPY / #) (2001 - 2006) (2007-2012) Available Present/Past (2007-2012) Review Period S.F.U. 0 0 10 0 0 0 / 2.0 U of SASK. 1.0 / 1 0.25 / 1 5 5 0 1.25 / 1.25 U of MAN. 1.0 / 1 0.25 / 1 5 0 0 1.25 / 1.25 U of Guelph 1.4 / 3 1.0 / 1 9 4.5 0 2.4 / 1.95 U de Montreal 0.5 / 2 0 1* 0 0 0.5 / 0.5 U.B.C. 0.5 / 1 0.75 / 2 1 2 0 1.25 / 1.25 Totals 4.4 / 8 2.25 / 5 31 11.5 0 6.65 / 8.2 * Part time – P. Giovenazzo

Personnel - Provincial Beekeeping Associations

Association Tech Research Positions Positions Total (TPY's) Specialist Assistants Currently 2007 – 2012 Present/Past Review (TPY / #) (TPY / #) Available Period Ontario Beekeepers' Assoc. 1.0 / 1 2.0 / 2 0 0 3.0/ 1.7 La Fédération des apiculteurs du Québec 1.0 / 1 0 0 0 1.0 / 0 Totals 2.0 / 2 2.0 / 2 0 0 4.0 / 1.7

2.6 Apiculture Research Funding Amounts x $1,000 (GROSS)

Unless indicated otherwise, funding amounts are GROSS and include project materials, supplies, and operating expenses. Funds do not include salaries of university staff, student scholarships, bursaries, awards and operational costs of facilities.

Projected funding figures reflect committed funds. Actual funding levels may rise in the next few years as more projects may be approved.

Currie *1Currie *2Pernal HigoWinston Foster Davis *3 Scott-Dupree Otis MacKenzie Giovenazzo Dubreuil Guzman OBA Nasr S.B.A. Total Funding Year MB AB BC BC SK ON ON NS QC ON ON AB SK

Actual 2001-02 41.5 185.0 44.0 140.0 32.5 40.0 30.0 513.0 2002-03 61.5 134.0 185.0 26.0 80.0 28.0 50.0 17.7 15.0 5.0 602.2 2003-04 35.0 144.5 185.0 28.5 80.0 19.0 50.0 56.0 56.9 75.0 13.8 743.7 2004-05 67.0 120.5 165.0 40.0 240.0 15.0 0.0 43.0 42.1 75.0 30.2 837.8 2005-06 56.3 103.4 165.0 34.0 44.0 200.0 0.0 0.0 153.0 43.5 82.3 85.0 42.7 1,009.2

Projected 2006-07 65.3 102.4 34.0 38.5 25.0 0.0 5.0 135.0 64.0 76.8 75.0 45.0 666.0 2007-08 50.0 101.4 34.0 36.0 25.0 0.0 5.0 110.0 64.0 63.0 45.0 533.4 2008-09 30.0 165.0 34.0 36.0 25.0 0.0 5.0 100.0 31.0 70.0 45.0 541.0

*1 University Fellowships for student (@$16K/year) included. Infrastructure support and salaries not included. *2 Internal and external sources of cash funding. *3 Grad student scholarships and salaries not included.

2.7 Research Funding Sources

Apiculture research today is funded through many different organizations, both public and private. Traditional public funding sources include NSERC, federal and provincial governmental organizations. There are also various corporate entities that have made research funds available including BEE MAID, Medivet Pharmaceuticals, Burt’s Bees and others. Across Canada, there are a variety of trust funds and endowments established through provincial producer groups that make modest funds available annually to support research and producer education.

A notable funding source is the Canadian Bee Research Fund (CBRF) which was established following the Apimondia conference in Vancouver in 1999. The residual of funds from the conference made it possible to establish an endowment of approximately $450,000 of which the annual interest earnings are made available for apiculture research in Canada.

Canadian Bee Research Fund – CBRF R. Currie & R. Lafreniere The Canadian Bee Research Fund is an independent charitable organization that is headed by a board of directors composed of representatives from the Canadian Honey Council and Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists. The Fund has been set up as a long-term endowment fund, where the interest generated by the fund is made available for annual grants. In most years, the CBRF has been able to contribute $20,000 to $25,000 a year toward apiculture research projects. The board of directors consists of four voting members, two from CAPA and two from CHC and the secretary of

74 the CHC, Heather Clay. The board makes decisions about investments, fund raising, as well as disbursement of research grant funds. A grant selection committee is established each year that consists of CAPA members (whom are not submitting a research grant in the current competition) as well as two appointees from the Canadian Honey Council and the CHC secretary, Heather Clay. Industry research priorities are used as the primary selection criteria for determining which projects receive funding.

3.0 RESEARCH PRIORITIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

3.1 Research Recommendations - Canadian Honey Council

Directors of the Canadian Honey Council indentified key areas of apicultural research as follows:

Low risk pesticides for Varroa mite control. The persistent impact of the Varroa mite on the beekeeping industry has necessitated the ongoing use of pesticides. Varroa mites developed resistance to some previously-introduced products which caused beekeepers to resort to other chemicals that pose greater risk in toxicity or persistence. At the same time, food safety and quality issues have become increasingly important in the public’s mind. Canadian producers need to have ongoing access to effective mite control products while ensuring that their hive products remain of the highest quality and purity. Low risk drugs for AFB American Foulbrood disease has probably been responsible for greater colony and production loss than any other honeybee disease. Since the 19 th century, many countries of the world enacted legislation to control this disease and protect honeybees. While the causative agent, Paenibacillus larvae has only recently acquired resistance to oxytetracycline, the CHC views the development of low risk drugs and management controls of AFB a high priority. Nutritional value of Canadian honey In North America, honey has long been viewed as nothing more than a fancy sugar substitute. In Europe and many other parts of the world, honey has traditionally been recognized for its food value and medicinal qualities. CHC has identified the need for greater research about the nutritional value of honey and Canadian honey in particular. Research findings may enable Canadian beekeepers to promote their honey more successfully and increase per capita consumption in Canada. Pollination and its effect on bee nutrition

Crop pollination has rapidly become a primary management component of commercial beekeepers. The placement of colonies on specific crops limits the access that bees have on a wider variety of floral sources. With the successive placement of colonies on a specific number of crops during the production season, are colonies being deprived of essential nutrients they would have otherwise accessed? In light of the Colony Collapse Disorder phenomenon in the US, the CHC has identified crop pollination and bee nutrition as high priority research issues. Wintering bees in erratic fall/winter conditions Canada’s winter climate poses unique challenges to honeybee colonies. Many of its northern areas offer among the best honey-producing conditions in the world but on the other hand, winter duration constitutes a severe stress factor. While predictable fall and winter conditions allows for standardized winter preparation and management, erratic fall and winter conditions make winter management far riskier and more costly. CHC would like to see more research in the factors that influence colony responses to changing climatic conditions and the development of management strategies to mitigate their impact.

3.2 Apiculture Research Operating Conditions (P. van Westendorp)

Future apiculture research activities in Canada will be dictated by several key factors. These include: Funding availability Emergence of new issues with national/international scope, Support and availability of existing and new research facilities, Availability of expertise to carry out the research. 3.2.1 Funding Availability and Accessibility Many different endowments and organizations, both private and public, exist to support agriculture research including apiculture research. Corporate research support is also widely available even though the research focus may be restricted to issues associated with the corporate sponsor. Different levels of government have supported various programs and initiatives for many years and are expected to do so in the future. In addition, several provincial beekeeper associations have established trust funds in support of apiculture research. These funding sources may be limited and subject to constitutions that prescribe the type of research or require that the research be carried out within the province from which the funds are issued.

As mentioned before, various corporate research funding sources have been established. Since these funds are from the private sector and are considered “industry money”, they play a key role as seed money to secure funding from other sources notably public agencies and governments.

The general feature of research funding today compared to the past is the requirement of funding partnerships. In the past, many research projects secured funding from single sources such as governments directly, or their funding agencies and research support programs. Today researchers must seek financial support from both public and private sources. This requirement enhances the credibility and justification of research projects since the approval process involves all funding partners. Furthermore, in recent years governments have increasingly demanded direct monetary involvement of the beekeeping industry. Recognizing the limited financial and organizational abilities of some provincial beekeeper organizations, provinces have assisted in creating “Commissions” or “Industry Councils”, while others made funds available through development trust funds. The purpose of these organizations is to enable industry groups to manage and direct funds for research and industry development. Generally, the funds placed in trust can only be released when matched with industry money.

In conclusion, the new funding environment has had a significant impact on the type of research being carried out and the demands placed on all parties involved: 1. Publicly funded research funds can no longer be accessible unless industry groups commit their own funds, even when such funds are nominal money; 2. The increased involvement of industry greatly influence the type of research being carried out. Generally, industry supported projects tend to have a greater practical component and involve technology transfer. 3. Multi-party funding arrangements demand researchers to spend far greater time and resources on the application process to secure funding. Researchers are also expected to prepare interim reports in greater detail and at greater frequency.

3.2.2 Emergence of New Issues Funding support of apiculture research is dictated as much by the actual money available as it is by the nature of the research. Research with high public exposure or projects that carry a popular theme are generally easier to secure funding for than research proposal that appear to have marginal relevance to the interests of the beekeeping industry. The downside of this situation is that “hot button” issues and those currently visible in the public domain have a better chance of securing funding than less-visible issues that may harbour equal or greater scientific merit. To overcome this challenge, researchers need to place greater efforts of explaining the purpose and relevance of their proposed research to industry and prospective funders.

3.2.3 Ongoing support and availability of research facilities Financial and infrastructural support of apiculture research in Canada has been declining during the last few decades. The loss of apiculture research positions coincide with the loss of laboratory and facility space. Financial support of high profile research areas such as genomics, food quality and safety, and conservation studies poses a serious competitive threat to maintaining facilities dedicated to apiculture and pollinator research. Apiculture researchers are encouraged to present their research proposals in the environmental conservation studies category to secure ongoing recognition and institutional support.

3.2.4 Availability of expertise to carry out the research Dedicated positions in apiculture research and extension in Canada have steadily declined since the 1980s. Most positions have been lost as a result of attrition or through re-assignment of research direction. The most significant loss was the closure of the Bee Lab at Simon Fraser University with the departure of Dr. Mark Winston. From 1996 to 2001, the number of research scientists declined by 38% percent, while the number of professional extension personnel declined by 15% and apiary inspectors by 23%. Since the 2001 Apiculture Research Workshop, positions of researchers, extension specialists and apiary inspectors declined by a further 20 – 25%. Only two provincial organizations, in Quebec and Ontario, established technical positions to provide extension services and technology transfer to their industries. During this period of reductions, Canadian beekeepers have been confronted with more challenges than ever before, from parasitic mites and viruses to cheap imported honeys, while there has been an increase in the demand of bee-related research involving non-Apis pollinators, crop pollination, botanical studies, pollinator conservation studies, etc. The Canadian apiculture research and extension community has been experiencing increased difficulties in meeting the industry’s research demands. It is imperative that all sectors of the Canadian beekeeping industry and members of CAPA continue to press governments and universities of the need for ongoing support of apiculture research and extension positions.

3.3 Categorized Research Priorities

3.3.1 Diseases, Parasites & Pests Chemical-free Varroa mite controls including mite pheromones; mite trapping devices; mite- resistant bee stock; mite pathogens; cultural/management strategies that prevent or reduce mite populations. Research in the identification of honeybee viruses and their association with parasitic mites. AFB disease poses a renewed threat to beekeeping with the development and spread of antibiotic-resistant strains of Paenibacillus larvae in parts of Canada. Research needs to be directed towards breeding resistant bee strains and the development of drug-free control strategies. Research of the impact of Nosema species on honey bee colonies and its role on the Colony Collapse Disorder phenomenon. Effects and mitigation of invasive alien species.

3.3.2 Stock Selection and Breeding: Selection for varroa resistance. Selection for disease and tracheal mite resistance. Maintenance of gentleness, winter-hardiness and high productivity characters. Development and application of techniques for screening Africanized genetics. Research in pollinating behaviour.

3.3.3 Colony Management: Improved colony nutrition. Non-chemical colony management strategies to mitigate diseases. Improved fall management and wintering.

3.3.4 Pesticides and Antibiotics Utilized in Honey Bee Management: Alternative, high efficacy acaricides for treating varroa mites. Alternative antibiotic therapies for treating honey bee diseases. Resistance management strategies. Mitigation of deposition of antibiotic and pesticide residues in honey. Development of food-safe treatments for disease and mites treatments in honey bees. Determination of environmental sources of contaminants in honey. Elucidation of metabolites and pathways of antibiotics and pesticides used in bee management.

3.3.5 Pollination: Enhanced management of bees improve the effectiveness and efficiency of commercial pollination. Determination of the effects of agricultural chemicals and their metabolites to which pollinators may be exposed in conventional and genetically modified cropping systems. Comparative efficiency of crop pollination between honey bees and non-Apis pollinators. Crop requirements for pollination and evaluation of characters affecting pollinator performance (i.e. nectar secretion, pollen availability/nutrition, floral morphology etc.).

3.3.6 Non-Apis Pollinators: Population dynamics of wild pollinators and development of pollinator preservation techniques. Determination of the contributions of wild pollinators to the agro-ecosystem.

3.3.7 Emerging Disease Issues: Research of the impact of Nosema species on honey bee colonies and their role in wintering losses. Investigations into possible contributing factors to Colony Collapse Disorder.

3.4 Emerging Issues and Recommendations : Beekeeping has become a far-more complex enterprise of animal husbandry than it was 25 years ago. Beekeepers are confronted with an array of challenges that can only be addressed through further research. To ensure the ongoing sustainability of the Canadian beekeeping industry, apiculture research priorities for the next 5 – 10 years include:

3.4.1 Research in Disease Control and Management: o Varroa mite controls The Varroa mite remains the single greatest disease threat to beekeeping in North America since its introduction in 1987. Research is urgently needed to mitigate the threat of resistant mites to several chemical controls. Food safety concerns dictate that such research is directed to the development of non-chemical controls. This will include the development of integrated pest management strategies, alternative chemicals and an understanding of how to delay the development of pesticide and antibiotic resistance in honey bee pests and diseases.

o Antibiotic-resistant American Foulbrood (r-AFB) AFB has been successfully controlled with oxytetracycline for about 50 years in North America. The incessant use of antibiotics invariably led to the development of antibiotic resistant strains of Paenibacillus larvae, the causative agent of AFB. Many producers responded by applying different antibiotics including tylosin. Accepting the fact that the use of antibiotics is a short-term solution before resistance develops, research is urgently needed towards the development of alternative AFB controls including resistant bee stock and improved management practices.

o Colony Collapse Disorder and the Effects of Stress A number of organisms have been identified in association with the CCD phenomenon but none has been proven to be the causal agent. It is hypothesized that other factors including external stresses brought about by management practices and climate may play a key role in the onset of CCD. Research is needed to identify the nature of these stress factors and quantify their impact on honey bee colonies.

o Honey Bee Genetics The CCD phenomenon of 2006 and the subsequent search of causal agents has raised the question whether the narrow scope of selection criteria used in commercial queen rearing has led to a loss of genetic diversity of the North American honey bee population. Research is required to determine whether a decline of genetic diversity has increased the population’s vulnerability to CCD-like phenomena and pathogens.

o Threat of Invasive Species The inadvertent introduction of invasive species including the African Honey Bee (AHB) and Tropilaelaps clarae continue to pose a serious threat to the Canadian honey bee population. Research is required in assessing the impact such introductions would have on Canadian beekeeping. Furthermore, strategic response strategies need to be developed that would

encompass management controls, regulatory provisions, communication protocols and producer training.

3.4.2 Research in Crop Pollination o GM Crops Modern agriculture has become more dependent on insect pollinators in recent decades than ever before. New high-yielding cultivars are released every year. Some of these cultivars are genetically modified to include insecticidal activity that may be harmful to bees. The impact of these developments on the beekeeping industry needs to be closely monitored and researched.

o Crop-Pollinator Interactions High-yielding crop cultivars today often involve high-density plantings. Foraging behaviour of pollinators is greatly affected by the cultivar’s growth habits and the lay-out of crop plantings. Research is needed to better understand the interactions between crop and pollinator.

3.4.3 Research on the Impact of Pesticides on Honey Bees o While modern agriculture has increased its dependency on pollinators, honey bee colonies and wild pollinator continue to be affected by pesticides used to control crop pests and vectors of human disease (such as West Nile Virus). The latest generation of pesticides include broad- spectrum chloronicotinal insecticides that may have sub-lethal effects on pollinators or affect their foraging behaviour. Furthermore, the impact of aerial applications of pesticides on pollinators needs to be investigated.

3.4.4 Improvement in Colony Management o Comb Replacement The application of mite control products, antibiotics and other disease-control products has increased the risk of residues in hive equipment including comb, honey and pollen. To lower the risk of honey contamination, some control products are applied in fat-soluble formulas. The repeated use of such products may cause its migration and subsequent build-up in brood comb. Research is needed to determine whether these substances reach sub-lethal levels to bee brood and assess the value of comb replacement.

o Colony Nutrition Proper nutrition plays a key role in general honey bee health. With increased crop pollination management where colonies are placed from one pollination contract to the next, bees may obtain their principal nutrients from only a few floral sources. Research is needed to determine whether honey bee colonies are impacted by the reduced diversity of nutrient sources and whether this compromises their immune system. 3.4.5 Recommendations for Research and Extension Infrastructure o Research Collaboration Given the large number of research priorities and the limited resources available, it is recommended that researchers and extension specialists collaborate with each other, within Canada and the United States. It is imperative provincial and national producer organizations contact their respective governments to emphasize the urgent need for continued support of apiculture research.

o Collaboration of Extension Services There has been a critical decline in the infrastructure necessary for effective extension and regulatory activities in most provinces. The reduction of resources has reached the point where it threatens the ability of industry to respond effectively to emerging issues. Some provinces have no personnel or supporting resources to carry out extension and regulatory activities. There is an urgent need to strengthen extension services and collaborate more closely among provinces in the delivery of extension and inspection programs.

4.0 LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

Name Affiliation

Claude Boucher MAPAQ, QC

Rob Currie University of Manitoba, MB

John Gruszka Saskatchewan Agriculture, SK

Heather Higo Simon Fraser University, BC

Chris Jordan Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry, PEI

Rheal Lafreniere Manitoba Agriculture, MB

Kenna MacKenzie AAFC Research Centre Kentville, NS

Christopher Maund Dept. Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture, NB

Doug McRory OMAFRA, ON

Joanne Moran Nova Scotia Agriculture & Fisheries, NS

Medhat Nasr Alberta Agriculture & Rural Development, AB

Steve Pernal AAFC Research Station, Beaverlodge, AB

Alison Skinner Ontario Beekeepers Association, ON

Paul van Westendorp Ministry of Agriculture & Food, BC

Nicholas Tremblay MAPAQ, QC

Ernesto Guzman University of Guelph, ON

APPENDIX II:

Apiary Inspectors of America (AIA) Minutes

Apiary Inspectors of America’s Annual Meeting 2007, Phoenix, Arizona

Welcome by President Jerry Hayes at 8:11am on January 9, 2007 Representatives of the following member states and provinces were present: MD, ONT, MI, WI, MT, NC, GA, AL, PA, MN, VA, MS, AR, FL, OH

Secretary Ed Levi (AR) read minutes from the 2006 meeting Harry Fulton (MS) moved to accept Barry Smith (GA) seconded Minutes were accepted as written.

2007 AIA PRESIDENT’S REPORT, Jerry Hayes (FL)

I want to thank all of those who have worked so hard to allow us all to participate in this meeting. All the committee chairs, Ed Levi, Dennis vanEngelsdorp, Keith Tignor, and Harry Fulton's continued expertise and insight are appreciated and valued. This has been another bumpy year for beekeepers in the United States. Low honey prices, honey imports, contamination, residues, pests and diseases that seem to defy management recommendations have negatively impacted commercial beekeepers. Almond pollination and potential revenues keep a bright light on for some beekeepers. The Industry is struggling and we all have concerns for it's future. Beekeepers and the pollinators and nectar collectors they manage will always be needed but I'm not quite sure what the Industry will look like in 10-15 years from now.

I started out my day today with a gentleman from south Florida in the hospital on a ventilator from an encounter with aggressive honey bees. African honey bees (AHB) continue to spread, and is increasing it's inter-actions with people, pets and livestock in some points of South Florida. Last week we all learned that AHB had been identified in New Orleans. The main wave of AHB is moving east and we have our separate population in Florida. The whole east coast will be dealing with this at some time. What can we do as a group to protect our citizens, and the Industry that we serve? Because of the problems of AHB and the decline of honey bee numbers, the Industry has gotten more positive media attention the last few years than ever. For the Apiary Inspectors of America the question is how can we, as an Industry group organize ourselves into a stronger more influential force?

I believe the AIA is uniquely positioned to be the bridge between beekeepers, the beekeeping industry, and the research community. What can we do and how can we do it? Can we be the mechanism, the tool and the path that collects and distributes information that helps the Industry? A clearing house for information that promotes, encourages, and directs Industry action. We can be this if the AIA wants to be, or we can continue to meet each year as our membership slowly shrinks. Do we want to be an active force and make positive things happen? We have to decide what we want to do and be.

If we can be better then our Industry is better. Not all of the decisions made this week will come to fruition. But we can start to change the perception of the AIA by researchers, consumers and

Industry organizations from one of not knowing how we really contribute to one where we are a valuable asset that must be included and consulted. I didn't mean to be condescending, or insulting, but we can be more than just a name on a letterhead. It's your organization, you decide. Announcements of committees

Nomination *Don Hopkins (NC), Jerry Fischer (MD), Liz Meils (WI)

Auditing *Patty Denke (MT) and Dennis vanEngelsdorp (PA)

Sites *Jerry Fischer, (MD)

Awards *Harry Fulton (MS), Paul Jackson.(TX), Barry Smith (GA)

Research & Reg . (incl pesticides) *Ed Levi (AR), Patty Denke (MT), Don Hopkins (NC)

Pesticide Advisory *Mike Hansen (MI), Jerry Hayes. (FL)

Resolutions *Harry Fulton (MS), Gray Haun. (TN), Patty Denke. (MT), Dennis vanEnglesdorp. (PA)

Discussion: where we want to go: CAPA’s White papers are produced to announce priorities This is used for researchers etc. to promote their projects Do we want to do this? Should it be on a newly developed web site. We are more important, in the eye of gov., due to AHB but otherwise we are just the police to the industry.

How can we better cement our relationship with the industry? Promoting good and focused research. Based on this discussion, an Ad Hoc committee was formed to create a “white paper” stating the association’s current goals and objectives:

Ad Hoc for Creating Goal/Objectives: “white paper” *Ed Levi. (AR), Jerry Hayes,(FL), Keith Tignor (VA), Dennis vanEnglesdorp (PA), Harry Fulton (MS), Doug McRory. (ONT)

AIA 2006 Secretary’s Report Ed Levi (AR) The following items were completed since the January, 2006 meeting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

1. Sent out thank you letters to the speakers of the Baton Rouge, Louisiana conference.

2. Forwarded resolutions, pasted at the Baton Rouge, Louisiana conference, to the appropriate parties. 3. Updated the state/provincial apiarist directory. 4. Conducted correspondence and miscellaneous duties. 5. Sent a state report questionnaire to all directors. 6. Prepared 2006 AIA Annual Conference held in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Commented about needing input: the secretary stated that there is little point in publishing the annual proceedings if the membership doesn’t have the energy to fill out the State’s Statistics Data Sheets and send in reports to be published. It was again agreed that it is the duty of the directors to assure reports and surveys are completed.

Don Hopkins (NC) moved to accept John Grafton (OH) seconded Passed

AIA 2006 Treasurer’s Repor t Keith Tignor (VA)

Membership: 32 28 Regular 4 Associate

Income: $6,080.00 Expenses: $8,374.22 Net Income: ($2.294.22)

Balance at beginning of 2006: $15,270.22 Balance at end of 2006: $12,976.00

Barry Smith (GA) moved to accept John Grafton (OH) seconded Passed

Email l-serve Keith Tignor (VA) Are people being served? We have some “wrong/discontinued” addresses. Some unsubscribed. Should we be sending to non-member states?

Web site Do we want to make it great or do we want it as a directory and links to information of other organizations.

New Business Ed Levi questioned the coordination of states’ inspection needs for incoming or transiting bees. It was agreed that we should add to our web page the requirements for bees to enter or transit each state. Barry Smith (GA) will collect this data and get them to Keith Tignor (VA). The meeting was adjourned for the day to reconvene on January 10. That afternoon we had presentations from invited speakers on various topics.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007 The business meeting was reconvened by President Hayes;

The following member states and provinces were represented: MD, ONT, MI, WI, MT, NC, GA, AL, PA, MN, VA, MS, AR, FL, OH

Resolutions Committee Report Harry Fulton, MS read resolutions:

Resolution NO. 1: Requesting USDA to Establish a Task Force on Africanized Honey Bees

Africanization of feral honey bee colonies is occurring as confirmed by recent findings in south Florida, the Northeast U.S., the New Orleans area and a host of other areas in the U.S. The threat to agricultural pollination, to public safety and harm to pets and livestock increases accordingly.

Natural expansion and accidental transportation of the Africanized honey bee, Apis mellifera scutellata (AHB), is becoming a nationwide issue and no longer a regional one, which makes it more difficult to study, to plan strategy and to disseminate factual information to those in need.

Therefore, at its annual meeting on January 10, 2007, the Apiary Inspectors of America (AIA) requests USDA to organize a working task force to meet at least annually and as needed otherwise to address concerns in AHB research, health and public concerns, regulatory issues and other related matters. Such a group would serve to unify industry, regulatory and public entities while acting as an advisory group on all AHB issues. Members could include but not be limited to representatives of USDA agencies, Regional and National Plant Boards, industry delegates, AIA, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture and universities.

Audience:

To: Secretary of Agriculture David Hackett

Copy: NASDA National Plant Board and Regional Plant Boards American Honey Producers Association American Beekeepers Federation Other industry organizations AIA member states

Cover letter expressing why AIA more specifically thinks such a task force is needed. Ed Levi (AR) moved for acceptance and Dennis Barclift (AL) seconded. Motion passed

Resolution NO. 2: Requesting a National Survey for Exotic Honey Bee Pests

USDA/APHIS/PPQ-VS is receiving more petitions form foreign countries to export packaged honey bees and queens to the United States. In order to protect the U.S. beekeeping industry from the introduction of exotic pests, especially Tropilaelaps clareae, Nosema cerana, Apis mellifera capensis, other Varroa species as well as other species of pests not yet found in the U.S. a national survey is justified. Of particular concern is a petition from Germany where Nosema cerana is known to exist and is near Spain where extensive losses to honey bee colonies has occurred.

Such a survey is also needed to help create foreign markets for U.S. honey bees and expedite exportation of honey bees.

Therefore, the Apiary Inspectors of America (AIA) at its annual meeting on January 10, 2007, requests USDA/APHIS/PPQ-VS to fund and implement a national survey for exotic pests as soon as possible. Such is necessary to establish a baseline on which scientific decisions can be made to allow the safe importation and exportation of honey bees.

Be if further resolved that AIA go on record thanking Wayne Wehling and Colin Stewart of USDA/APHIS/PPQ for efforts put forth in drafting and submitting a protocol and budget to be considered for such a survey. AIA also encourages all states to participate in such a survey with in- king service and other matching funds as affordable.

Audience:

To: Secretary of Agriculture Ric Dunkle

Copy: Regional Plant Boards National Plant Board American Honey Producers Association American Beekeeping Federation Other industry organizations AIA member states Dennis Barclift (AL) moved and Don Hopkins (NC) seconded

Discussion followed Motion passed unanimously

Resolution: No. 3 New Standard definition for “Africanized Honey Bee”

During the last two years the African honey bee (AHB) has been detected extensively in south Florida, southern Arkansas and Louisiana and recently in the New Orleans area and as well as other parts of the United States. Stinging incidents involving humans, pets and livestock are increasing and public concern is at high levels. Legal issues, both civil and regulatory, are dictating that a legal definition of “Africanization” be established on which sound legal decisions can be made.

Currently, USDA standards for identification of AHB define “Africanization” as occurring when a 90% probability is reached using USDA-ID testing. However, phenotypic characteristics, especially aggressiveness, may be manifested at lower probability levels. Regulators especially

need an official USDA-ID protocol of testing to declare a sample as Africanized at a 50% level of hybridization in order to address public safety concerns and on which regulatory programs and action plans can be based.

Therefore, the Apiary Inspectors of America (AIA) at its annual meeting on January 10, 2007, requests the National Plant Board through the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture to request USDA-ARS to redefine “Africanization” to meet the needs of the regulatory and legal communities. Such request includes the study of new methods as needed for faster identification in the field and laboratory. Genome studies, volatile chemical markers, ELISA testing and other methods as technological advances are made should be considered. Methods now being used were developed some 20 years ago. With new technology, such as single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP chip), easily attainable and with public safety needs now better determined, methods of AHB identification must be updated to meet these challenges and produce results in the field or laboratory within 24 hours to meet emergency management needs.

Audience:

To: Regional Plant Boards National Plant Board

Copy: AIA member states David Hackett Secretary of Agriculture

Discussion: do we name specific places or regions? Left them out.

Audiences:

National Plant Board, USDA, NASDA

John Grafton (OH) moved for acceptance and Don Hopkins (NC) seconded Discussion followed Motion passed with one opposed.

Resolution: No. 4 Development of a Harmonization Plan among states to allow movement and certification of honey bees being transported as European.

The spread of the Africanized honey bee, Apis mellifera scutellata (AHB), both naturally and man assisted, poses threats to the public safety and bee industry’s ability to remain viable to pollinate agricultural crops in the United States. As such it dictates that states work in unity to develop actions plans and certification plans to facilitate interstate movement of colonies for pollination and the sale of packages honey bees and queens.

Therefore, the Apiary Inspectors of American (AIA) at its annual meeting on January 10, 2007, recommends that a harmonization plan be developed among states through AIA and/or the National Plant Board to manage the movement of honey bees under a voluntary compliance program for states in agreement. Such a plan would specify protocols necessary to certify honey bees as European and offer guidance for states to adopt laws and regulations for uniformity.

Be it further resolved that AIA ask USDA/APHIS and/or USDA/ARS to provide support of such a program by providing identification of samples after and approved FABIS protocol or other approved screening method has been done at the state level. AIA further requests that USDA adopt a policy to support the states in this endeavor. Be if further resolved that USDA/APHIS provide funds as grants to facilitate sampling and screening as needed in states not having a regulatory program budgeted.

Audience:

To: National Plant Board of Agriculture David Hackett Ric Dunkle AIA member states

Copy: National Beekeeping Organizations Regional Plant Boards

John Grafton (OH) motioned to accept and Barry Smith seconded Discussion followed Motion passed with 2 opposed.

Auditing Committee Report , Patty Denke, MT Books look fine. Motion Don Hopkins (NC), Seconded by Mike Hansen (MI) Passed

Sites Committee Report , Jerry Fisher, MD With both National Groups and AAPA at Sacramento, during the second week of January. Ed Levi moved to accept and the motion was seconded by John Grafton Passed

Goals and Objectives, AD Hoc committee report, Ed Levi (AR) Goals and Objectives of the Apiary Inspectors of America, January 2007

AIA’s Purpose: To Improve the Conditions of the Beekeeping Industry by: Communications between States in the Laws and Methods of its membership; Creating understandings between the member states; through the Dissemination of new and accurate information.

1. Africanized Honeybee a. Develop an AHB harmonization plan b. Develop a model action plan for the management of AHB for the public safety c. States to establish a unified protocol for the certification of EHB. d. AIA encourage and collaborate with USDA in establishing a workable ID method. i. Establish a working group to meet annually with government policy makers in agriculture and health matters.

2. National Disease and Pest Survey a. Encourage buy-in on a State & National level.

3. Protocols for the identification of known or new Apis diseases and pests. a. Establish a general action plan for suppression and eradication. b. Encourage a “library” of samples of apis problems that are known in the world. c. Protocols for identification of newly introduced diseases and pests.

4. Maintenance of healthy bees a. Encourage IPM & the use of recognized and approved methods for the suppression of bee maladies. b. Reduce the dependence of chemicals in the suppression of diseases and pests. c. Discourage the use of illegal use of chemicals. i. Demonstrate how and why best management practices benefit the entire industry. ii. Demonstrate why and how the misuse and overuse of chemicals is counterproductive.

5. Facilitate the communications for legal movements of honeybees between states. a. Add a page to the AIA website which illustrates the requirements of each state. b. AIA should stand as a repository for all state apiary program’s laws and regulations.

Dennis vanEnglesdorp (PA) moved to accept and Harry Fulton (MS)seconded Motion unanimously passed .

Nominations Committee Report , Don Hopkins (NC) East, Jerry Fischer (MD) North, John Grafton (OH

Pres, Jerry Hayes (FL) VP, Dennis vanEnglesdorp (PA)

Sec. Ed Levi (AR) Treasurer, Keith Tignor (VA)

There were no other nominations from the floor. Slate was accepted by acclamation.

Other business: Keith Tignor, suggested that the previous year’s president, or their designee goes to CAPA’s annual meeting.

Motion to Adjourn, Dennis Barcliff (AL) & seconded by Dennis vanEnglesdorp (PA) .

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American Association of Professional Apiculturists (AAPA) Minutes

AAPA Business Meeting January 12, 2007 Phoenix, Arizona

The meeting was called to order by President Marla Spivak at 4:15 PM.

The following Members and guests were present: N. Aliano, L. Bilodeau, J. Bromenshenk, N. Calderone, S. Cobey, E. Levi, L. deGuzman, K. Delaplane, T. Ferrari, J. Harris, M. Hood, Z. Huang, J. Knodel, D. McRory, E. Mussen, S. Sheppard, J. Skinner, M. Spivak, S. Thoenes, and J. Villa.

The Minutes of the 2006 annual business meeting were accepted as submitted. The Treasurer’s Report was accepted as submitted.

President’s Address

Marla began the meeting by suggesting that it might be an appropriate time to consider bringing the North Central Region project (NCDC210) on bees into closer association with AAPA. An examination of the documents that guide the two associations shows that they read very similarly. NCDC is administered nationally by the USDA and regionally by Sonny Ramaswamy at Purdue University. However, all national bee researchers, extension personnel and regulatory people can participate in the NCDC project. A significant benefit to AAPA would be to have a larger number of bee specialists meeting in one place at one time to share information and determine how best to approach solving unresolved problems in bee keeping. A second advantage of such collaboration between associations would be that NCDC210 can be expanded to include as many participants as there are individuals who wish to join. Then, the “products” of the regional project would include all of the publications and other audio/visual materials produced by the members. Occasionally, materials could be credited to the authors, AAPA, and NCDC210 right on the product. Thus, we can point to the outreach output that will keep the regional project alive and funded. Examples of such products might be: An upcoming honey bee pesticide safety poster by Marla A small hive beetle booklet A white paper on the proposed national survey Extension publications that could list AAPA and NCDC210 as collaborators Various pdf materials that we may be putting on the AAPA Web site Montana’s www.beesurvey.com

Zachary Huang (current NCDC210 Chair) will be submitting the revised NC Bee Project proposal before the end of December 2007 and will be inviting all AAPA members to participate jointly in the Project. Details to follow.

Attendance at AAPA meetings can be bolstered by the fact that, with a little pre-planning, the Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) on each land grant university can contribute funds toward travel fare and two days lodging at the site of the annual regional meeting for named individuals. Perhaps the best way to be integrated into the system is to contact Zachary Huang ([email protected])

and ask him to submit your name to Sonny Ramaswamy at Purdue University. Then, Sonny can contact a local campus AES office and relate that you wish to be eligible for funding to attend the regional meeting. Then you should be able to contact that AES office, receive permission, and gain access to limited funding. The offices on different campuses contribute funding for these meetings in differing amounts. Be sure to determine just how much funding you will receive. See more under New Business.

Old Business

There were no discussions originating from old business.

New Business

Regulatory Committee - More information was reported on the proposed annual national survey of honey bee health in the US. After hearing some pretty wild (high) estimates of how much it would cost to do such a thing, it looks like $1.4 million a year would do it. However, no funding is available at this point in time. Apparently, without such an annual survey, we (the US) cannot prohibit the importation of foreign honey bees into the US. If we cannot prove that we are exotic disease free, then international trade regulations will force our doors open. Also, without that information, we will not be able to export our bees or queens into any other foreign countries where such a program is being conducted.

Organizers of this effort hope that “advanced techniques” will enable inspectors to make determinations immediately on such problems as: bacterial diseases; viral diseases; Nosema ceranae ; Africanized honey bees; A.m. capensis , etc.

There is a request for hiring two new positions into the USDA bee labs to help with this effort. That would return the FTE level to what it had been in 1996.

The 2006 AAPA Regulations Committee spent significant time formulating a “White Paper” on this topic to be submitted in the name of the organization. Before the draft is distributed for review, it was suggested that one or more members of the Committee review portions of the nearly 300 page text, and the honey bee recommendations, of the report generated by the USGS and NAPPC in 2006. When that information is integrated into the text, then the document should receive further review.

Pesticide Registration Committee – No report was presented at the annual business meeting. The report will be disseminated to all members by e-mail. The updates will include information on use of oxalic acid and registration of Hivastan ®.

Nomination Committee – The following members were nominated to, and voted into, their respective offices: President – Mike Hood Vice President – José Villa Secretary/Treasurer – Nick Calderone Director – Steve Sheppard Director – Jeff Harris

The Nomination Committee also handled the various awards presented to members and student contestants:

AAPA Award for Apicultural Excellence – Eric Mussen Dr. John Harbo Award (Student Paper) – Nick Aliano - $50.00 Student Proposal – Kathleen Lee - $1,000.00

NCDC210 (continued) -

Resolutions – There were not resolutions presented at the meeting. However, there was discussion about being sure that we have a representative attend each of the CAPA meetings. Usually, they are held in conjunction with the annual Canadian Honey Council meeting. AIA usually sends a member to the meeting, and we have AAPA members from AIA. If the AIA member was to be our ambassador, should we pick up a portion of his or her expenses of attending that meeting? Historically, we used to provide a stipend to one of our members to attend. This is as far as the discussion proceeded.

2007 Committee Appointments by President Hood:

Student Awards – Ann Harman Nominations – R. Danka, N. Ostiguy, J. Skinner Regulations – T. Webster, J. Harris, E. Levi Pesticide Registration – J. Hayes, J. Pettis, J. Bromenshenk

AAPA will meet in conjunction with the combined American Beekeeping Federation and the American Honey Producers’ Association next year, at the Doubletree Inn in Sacramento, California. Their convention is scheduled to be held for three or four days toward the middle of the week of January 6-12, I think.

The meeting adjourned at 5:50 PM.

CAPA BYLAWS

CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL APICULTURISTS L'ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE DE PROFESSIONELS DE L'APICULTURE

BYLAWS

Objectives of the Association 1. To promote, develop and maintain good fellowship and cooperation among professional apiculturists (individuals whose work in government, university, or similar professional capacity involve managed bee species) 2. To create a meeting of administrative and research professionals for the purpose of discussing common interests related to bee management and effectively coordinating, where possible, their activities. 3. To aid in the dissemination of information regarding the beekeeping industry in all its forms. 4. To maintain a consultative rapport with the Canadian Honey Council and other organizations concerned with managed bee species. 5. To maintain a rapport with professional in apiculture and related fields in other countries.

ARTICLE I - Membership I (1): Full membership, with voting privileges is open to personnel employed by Canadian Federal and Provincial governments, universities or college, and consultants who are employed in the field of apiculture or other related fields as: • federal apiculturist • provincial apiculturist • full-time or part time extension apiculturist • full-time or part time teaching and/or research apiculturist • full-time or part time apiary inspectors • full-time or part time apicultural technicians • full-time or part time professionals in any other capacity whose work involves managed bee species

I(2): Non-voting, associate membership in the association may, upon receipt of application, be granted to persons who are: • Part or full-time graduate students involved in projects involving managed bee species • Part-time technicians associated with personnel or projects involving managed bee species • Part-time disease inspection staff • Representatives of appropriate programs within federal government agencies such as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Pest Management Regulatory Agency • The representative of the Canadian Honey council and a representative of any other organizations concerned with managed bee species. • Members of the American Association of Professional Apiculturists • Members of the Apiary Inspectors of America.

I(3): Membership or associate membership may be extended to persons other than those defined in Clauses I and II upon ratification by a majority of the membership.

I(4): The privileges of membership in the Association shall terminate when a current member resigns or retires from the position which established his/her eligibility. I(5): Membership fees shall be prescribed by the members in general meeting.

I(6): Every member shall receive a copy of the bylaws annually.

I(7): Privileges of membership shall be restricted to those holding current membership. I(8): The decision to grant life memberships, honorary memberships, and awards of merit shall be made by a 75% majority of the members present at the general meeting.

ARTICLE II - General Meeting II(1): The annual meeting shall be held at a time and place designated by the executive. II(2): The secretary shall send all members a notice of a general meeting sixty (60) days in advance of the date of such a meeting unless a majority of the members waive the sixty day requirement. II(3): A quorum of a duly called general meeting shall be six (6) members. II(4): Attendance at the Association's meeting shall be limited to members and guests invited by the executive. II(5): Minutes of the general meeting shall, when printed, be of a confidential nature and permission to use the information presented must be obtained from the executive.

ARTICLE III - Finances III(1): The fiscal year of the Association shall be from January 01 to December 31 of the calendar year. III(2): All monies and securities held by the Association shall be in the name of the Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists. III(3): All money transactions made by the Association shall be made by cheque signed by the secretary- treasurer and the president.

ARTICLE IV - Officers of the Association IV(1): The members shall, at the general meeting, elect a president, vice-president and secretary- treasurer and the executive may appoint such other officers and committee members as may be required. IV(2): All officers shall be elected for a two year term of office. IV(3): The president shall preside over all meetings of the Association and shall be ex-officio, a member of all committees. IV(4): The vice-president shall perform the duties of the president in his/her absence or inability to act. IV(5): The secretary-treasurer shall: 1. Record the minutes of all meetings of the Association and distribute copies of these minutes to the membership sometime during the sixty (60) days following a meeting, and, 2. Send information and notices of motions and meetings etc. to the membership as required, and, 3. Collect the annual fees from each member and maintain an up-to-date membership list, and, 4. Look after all financial matters of the Association and maintain accurate records relating to same.

ARTICLE V - Amendments of Bylaws V(1): Bylaws may be amended only by a recognized quorum at a general meeting and all members must be notified by the secretary-treasurer of any proposed changes in the thirty (30) days in advance of the meeting date.

The foregoing are the Bylaws of the Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists as amended at the annual meeting held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, January 27 and 28, 2004.

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EXECUTIVE & COMMITTEES

Executive Stephen Pernal President Rhéal Lafrenière Vice-Pres. Rob Currie Past-Pres. Joanne Moran Secr/Treas Standing Committees Chemical John Gruszka Chair Doug McRory, Claude Boucher Medhat Nasr, Rhéal Lafrenière Stephen Pernal, Alison Skinner

Importation Medhat Nasr Chair Doug McRory, Rob Currie John Gruszka, Chris Maund Ernesto Guzman, Alison Skinner

Research Paul van Westendorp Chair Kenna MacKenzie, Ernesto Guzman Cynthia Scott-Dupree, Pierre Giovenazzo

Awards Alison Skinner Chair Don Dixon, Paul van Westendorp Kenna MacKenzie, Nicolas Tremblay

CBRF Directors Rob Currie Cynthia Scott-Dupree

Ad-Hoc Committees Publications Stephen Pernal Chair Cynthia Scott-Dupree, Joanne Moran, Rhéal Lafrenière

Archives Heather Higo Chair Don Nelson, Alison Skinner Adony Melathopoulos

Non-Apis Pollinators Kenna MacKenzie Chair Chris Jordan, Dick Rogers David Ostermann

Editorial Stephen Pernal Chair Disease Publication Adony Melathopoulos, Ernesto Guzman Paul van Westendorp, Rob Currie Nicolus Tremblay

Communications Adony Melathopoulos Chair Rob Currie, Rhéal Lafrenière Heather Higo, Claude Boucher

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2007 MEMBERSHIP LIST

Name & Address Phone/Fax/Email

Bannister, Rachel [email protected] Ontario Beekeepers' Association Tech-Transfer Program 5420 Highway 6 North Guelph, ON N1H 6J2 Canada

Rasoul Bahreini (204) 269-1684 Entomology Dept., (204) 474-7628 Animal Science Building, [email protected] University of Manitoba, [email protected] R3T 2N2, Winnipeg, MB Canada

Beauchesne, François (418) 653-2185 (Honourary Member) 3365 Hertel Rue Sainte-Foy, QC G1X 2J6 Canada

Boucher, Claude (418) 528-0794 MAPAQ (418) 644-4532 Laboratoire de pathologie animale [email protected] 2700, rue Einstein, bureau C-RC-125.2, Ste-Foy (Québec) G1P 3W8 Canada

Clark, Kerry (250) 784-2559 BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (250) 219-2715 cell 4th Floor, 1201 – 103 rd Ave 1-877-772-2200 Dawson Creek, B.C. V1G 4J2 (250) 784-2299 Canada [email protected]

Colter, Douglas (780) 925-3787 (Honourary Member) General Delivery Donnelly, Alberta T0H 1G0 Canada

Corner, John 604) 545-2914 (Honourary Member) Site 9, C.10, RR#6 Vernon, B.C. V1T 6Y5 Canada

Craft, Phil (502) 564-3956 Kentucky Dept. of Agriculture (502) 564-7852 100 Fair Oaks Lane, Suite 252 [email protected] Frankfort, Kentucky 40601 USA

Currie, Rob. (204) 474-6022 Dept. of Entomology (204) 474-7628 University of Manitoba [email protected] Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2 Canada

Desai, Suresh (204) 275-8346 Department of Entomology (204) 474-7628 Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences [email protected] University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

Desjardins, France (418) 380-2100 3115 MAPAQ (418) 380-2169 200, Chemin Sainte-Foy, 11eme étage [email protected] Quebec, P.Q. G1R 4X6 Canada

Dixon, Don 204-668-8847 Box 27, Grp. 374, RR# 3, [email protected] Winnipeg MB R3C 2E7 Canada

Foster, Leonard J 604-822-8311 UBC Centre for Proteomics 604-822-2114 Dept. of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology [email protected] University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC

Gates, John (250) 546-6212 (Honourary Member) [email protected] 1262 Round Lake Rd. Armstrong, B.C. V0E 1B5 Canada

Giovenazzo, Pierre (418) 656-2131-8081 Département de biologie (418) 656-2043 Faculté des sciences et de genie [email protected] Université Laval Québec, Québec G1K 7P4 Canada

Gray, Don (Honourary Member) RR# 1 Portland, Ontario K0G 1V0 Canada

Gruszka, John. (306) 953-2790 Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food (306) 953-2440 Box 3003, 800 Central Avenue [email protected] Prince Albert, Saskatchewan S6V 6G1 Canada

Guzman, Ernesto (519) 824-4120 x53609 Dept Environmental Biology (519) 837-0442 University of Guelph [email protected] Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 Canada

Halsall, Brent (613) 447-4479 RR4, 7328 Stone School Rd. [email protected] Greely, Ontario K4P 1M3 [email protected] Canada

Higo, Heather (604) 291-4163 Dept. Biological Sciences (604) 291-3496 Simon Fraser University [email protected] Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6 Canada

Houle, Emile (418) 286-3353 227 CRSAD (418) 286-3597 120 a, chemin du Roy [email protected] Deschambeault, Quebec G0A 1S0 Canada

Jay, S. Cameron (204) 269-2242 (Honourary Member) 615 Patricia Ave Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 3A7 Canada

Jordan, Chris (902) 569-7638 PEI Dept. Agric., Fish. & Forests (902) 368-5729 P.O. Box 1600 [email protected] Charlottetown, PEI C1A 7N3 Canada

Kelly, Paul (519) 836-8897 Dept. of Environmental Biology (519) 837-0442 University of Guelph [email protected] Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 Canada

Kevan, Peter (519) 824-4120 x52479 Environmental Biology (510) 837-0442 University of Guelph [email protected] Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 Canada

Kozak, Paul [email protected] Dept. of Entomology University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2 Canada

Lafrenière, Rhéal (204) 945-4825 MAFRI (204) 945-4327 204 - 545 University Crescent [email protected] Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 5S6 Canada

MacKenzie, Kenna (902) 679-5731 AAFC Research Centre (902) 679-2311 32 Main Street [email protected] Kentville, Nova Scotia B4N 1J5 Canada

Marceau, Jocelyn (418) 643-7255 MAPAQ (418) 644-8263 edifice 2, RC-22 [email protected] 1665 Bld. Hamel Ouest Quebec, PQ G1N 3Y7 Canada

Maund, Christopher (506) 453-3477 Crop Development (506) 453-7978 N.B. Dept. Agriculture & Aquaculture [email protected] P.O. Box 6000 Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1 Canada

McCutcheon, Doug (205) 546-9870 (Honourary Member) (250) 546-0070 2525 Phillips St. Armstrong, B.C. V0E 1B1 Canada

McRory, Doug (519) 826-3595 OMAFRA (519) 826-4375 1 Stone Road West, Box 1030 [email protected] Guelph, Ontario N1H 6N1 Canada

Melathopoulos, Adony (780) 354-5130 AAFC Research Station (780) 354-8171 P.O. Box 29 [email protected] Beaverlodge, Alberta T0H 0C0 Canada

Moran, Joanne. (902) 679-6044 N.S. Agriculture (902) 679-6062 Kentville Agriculture Centre [email protected] Kentville, Nova Scotia B4N 1J5 Canada

Nasr, Medhat (780) 415-2314 AAFRD (780) 422-6096 Crop Diversification Centre North [email protected] RR 6, 17507 Fort Road Edmonton, Alberta T5B 4K3 Canada

Nelson, Don (780) 354-8612 (Honourary Member) (780) 354-8171 913 5th Ave [email protected] Beaverlodge, Alberta T0H 0C0 Canada

Ostermann, David (204) 945-3861 MAFRI (204) 945-4327 204 - 545 University Crescent [email protected] Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 5S6 Canada

Otis, Gard (519) 824-4170 x52478 Dept. Environmental Biology (519) 837-0442 University of Guelph [email protected] Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 Canada

Pernal, Stephen (780) 354-5135 AAFC Research Station (780) 354-8171 Box 29 [email protected] Beaverlodge, Alberta T0H 0C0 Canada

Rogers, Richard 902-679-2818 Wildwood Labs Inc. [email protected] 53 Blossom Dr. Kentville NS B4N 3Z1 Canada

Plante, Scott (418) 834-5616 1045 de la Prairie Quest (418) 839-1232 St. Jean Chrysostime, PQ G6Z 3G5 [email protected] Canada

Scott-Dupree, Cynthia (519) 824-4120-52477 Dept. Environmental Biology (519) 837-0442 University of Guelph [email protected] Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 Canada

Skinner, Alison (519) 836-3609 Ontario Beekeepers’Association Research Office [email protected] Orchard Park Office Centre 5420 Hwy 6 North Guelph, Ont. N1H 6J2 Canada

Slessor, Keith (604) 291-4881 (Honourary Member) (604) 291-3765 Department of Chemistry Simon Fraser University Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6 Canada

Tam, Janet (519) 836-3609 Ontario Beekeepers’Association Research Office [email protected] Orchard Park Office Centre 5420 Hwy 6 North Guelph, Ont. N1H 6J2 Canada

Tremblay, Nicolas (418) 286-6704 Conseiller Provincial en Apiculture (418) 286-6711 120-A Chemin du Roy (418) 806-1311 Deschambault, Québec G0A 1S0 [email protected] Canada [email protected]

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Tuckey, Kenn (780) 440-3420 (Honourary Member) (780) 463-3986 3211-42A Ave [email protected] Edmonton, AB. T6T 1E3 Canada

Robyn, Underwood 610-301-4283 424 Fairview Dr. [email protected] Kutztown, PA 19530 USA van Engelsdorp, Denis (717) 772-5225 State Apiarist (717) 783-3275 State Department of Agriculture [email protected] 2301 North Cameron Street Harrisburg, PA 17110 van Westendorp, Paul (604) 556-3129 BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (604) 556-3030 1767 Angus Campbell Road [email protected] Abbotsford, B.C. V3G 2M3 [email protected] Canada

Vickery, Vernon (902) 678 5240 (Honourary Member) vicvickery@ns,sympatico.ca 47 Wade Street, Kentville, NS B4N 1B5 Canada

White, Jane (709) 637-2662 Natural Resources Specialist (709) 637-2591 Dept. of Natural Resources Newfoundland and Labrador [email protected] Agrifoods Development Branch PO Box 2006 Corner Brook, NL A2H 6J8 Canada

Williams, Geoffrey (902) 585-1604 Department of Biology (902) 585-1059 24 University Avenue [email protected] Acadia University Wolfville, NS B4P2R6 Canada

Winston, Mark (778) 782-7894 Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue (778) 782-7892 Simon Fraser University, Harbour Centre [email protected] 3309 – 515 W. Hastings St. Vancouver, B.C. V5B 5K3 Canada

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