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Although grateful for the money promised by government, the president of the province’s beekeeping association says it will take much more to save his struggling industry.

Enlarge Photo

Photo by David Kelly

Beekeeper Paul Vautour appreciates federal support, but says more help is needed.

“It’s not a large amount for beekeepers, but it’s a start,” said Paul Vautour, following the announcement of $150,000 from the federal government for New Brunswick honey producers.

Fundy Royal MP Rob Moore and Agriculture and Aquaculture minister Ronald Ouellette were in Sussex Feb.

19 to speak about the costshare initiative. Earlier this year the provincial government committed to $100,000 in funding.

“Beekeepers have suffered some severe losses,” Moore said at the press conference.

Vautour, a producer for 15 years, said beekeepers have narrowed their focus on a parasite as one of the possible causes of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) which is affecting producers across North America. CCD is an unusual phenomenon where bees die off or abandon their hives.

The funding is being made available under AgriRecovery, which allows governments to respond quickly when disaster strikes. To be eligible to receive assistance under this initiative, New Brunswick honey producers must be participants in AgriStability for 2007 and must have qualified to receive assistance under the provincial Honey Bee Revitalization Initiative.

The money Vautour has seen come from the province to his organization hasn’t amounted to much so far, about enough to cover two of his monthly payments on his truck, he estimated.

Still, Vautour hopes the funding will be enough to persuade producers not to abandon their hives like so many of their bees have already done.

Initiative details With federal funding added to the provincial funding already announced, financial assistance will be provided to honey bee producers to cover the following costs:

— Producers will receive funding for up to 75 per cent of the purchase cost to a maximum of $170/colony for colonies purchased before Sept.15, 2007 — Producers will receive funding for up to 75 per cent of the purchase cost to a maximum of $120/colony for colonies purchased before Aug. 1, 2007.

— Producers will receive up to $85.90 for every additional colony gained through splitting of healthy hives by Sept. 15, 2007.

Français : Les apiculteurs du Nouveau-Brunswick accueillent l’appui du gouvernement fédéral. Ils déclarent toutefois que plus d’efforts sont nécessaires pour rétablir l’industrie.