COVID-19 response: Transportation issues with importing packaged bees and queens
We are working with other government agencies and departments, airlines, package bee suppliers, the Canadian Honey Council, and the Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists to provide solutions for Alberta's beekeepers.
For more information about Alberta’s COVID-19 response, visit COVID-19 info for Albertans.
Colony and disease management
Management publications
- American Foulbrood
- Beekeeping in Western Canada includes information about getting started in beekeeping, spring management of bees, winter feeding, honey extraction, honey bee health, and marketing your beeswax, pollen and honey crops.
- Bloom guide: hybrid seed canola
- Honey Bee Diseases & Pests Third Edition
- Seed canola pollinators: a communication guide for agronomists and beekeepers
- Seed canola pollinators: a communication guide for seed companies and growers
- The Small Hive Beetle (a UK National Bee Unit Publication)
Bee Health app
The Bee Health app is based on current scientific knowledge to address honey bee diseases and pests. It is a handy resource to help beekeepers and other users to detect, diagnose, manage and treat honey bee diseases and pests. It includes pictures and treatment options which will aid beekeepers in adopting appropriate pest management practices. Thus, beekeepers can improve bee health and enhance on-farm food safety and biosecurity practices in their operations. Download the Bee Health app.
Beekeeper information
- Beekeeping for Beginners
- Honey Bees and Winterkill
- How to Reduce Bee Poisonings from Pesticides
- Provincial apiculturist annual reports
- Purchasing honey bees or equipment in Alberta: questions to ask and things to consider
- Responding to accidents involving honey bees: a guide for first responders
- Beekeeper/owner preparations for dealing with vehicle accidents
Economics and surveys
Alberta's industry
- Economics of Beekeeping in Alberta
- Estimated production and value of honey in Alberta and Canada
- Estimation of Potential Economic Losses for the Alberta Beekeeping Industry Due to Winter Losses in 2007
National industry statistics
Alberta beekeeper annual survey
To address some of the data gaps and information needs of the beekeeping industry in Alberta, each year the Statistics and Data Development Branch conducts a survey of beekeepers in the province. In particular, the survey is used to assist in the generation of provincial and regional estimates for selected honey variables (for example, colony numbers, yield, production).
Additional resources
Beekeeping groups/associations
Need a swarm removed? Contact your local beekeeping association.
- Alberta Beekeeping Commission (ABC)
- Calgary District Beekeeping Association
- Edmonton District Beekeeping Association
- Grande Prairie Beekeepers Club
- Lethbridge Bee Enthusiasts
- Red Deer & Area Beekeepers Association
- United Beekeepers of Alberta
Federal bodies
Honey bee laboratory testing facilities
Other related organizations/websites
Canadian
- Alberta Farmers’ Market Association
- Alberta Honey Producers – Bee Maid Honey
- Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists (CAPA)
- Canadian Honey Council (CHC)
- Pollinator Partnership Canada
- Seeds of Diversity
- The Canadian Pollination Initiative
- University of Guelph
- University of Manitoba
International
- Apimondia
- Bee Health - eXtension
- Bee Informed
- United States Department of Agriculture
- University of Florida
- University of Minnesota
Contact
Connect with the bee team:
Edmonton
Email: bee@gov.ab.ca
Address:
Crop Diversification Centre North
17507 Fort Road
Edmonton, Alberta T5Y 6H3
Lethbridge
Email: bee@gov.ab.ca
Address:
Lethbridge Research Centre
100, 5401 1 Avenue South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4V6