The M.D. of Smoky River declared an Agricultural Disaster for Extreme Loss of Honey Production.
The declaration came at a recent regular meeting on Nov. 19.
“Local honey producers reported losses between 60 and 90 per cent of average annual production from their hives,” says Reeve Robert Brochu.
“Agronomic and environmental factors played a role in decreased honey yields in the M.D. of Smoky River. The agronomic factors were a shortened flowering period and heat blast during the flowering period of Canola.”
Brochu says the high temperatures during July 2024 and heavy rainfall after had detrimental effects on canola flowers.
“Canola makes up about one half of the crops in the M.D. and this was a significant impact to the availability of flower to develop nectar needed for honey production,” he says.
“This declaration is meant to provide awareness to the challenges of local honey producers, which is an important agricultural sector in our municipality,” he adds.
Brochu notes there are some programs available for agricultural producers who suffer loss due to environmental issues, however; he says it’s vital to ensure the government is aware of what producers are facing and the most efficient way to do that is ensuring the agricultural disasters are proclaimed by municipal governments.
Provided by the M.D. was information that typically canola bloom is three to four weeks, where this past summer it was fewer than two weeks. AFSC uses an average of 130 lbs per hive for honey production in this part of the province, with the average production this year at only 30 to 40 lbs.
“Bees make the world go around,” says Brochu. “Without bees, there would be no world.”
Emily Plihal, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter - South Peace News - southpeacenews.com
