Honey Bee Industry Development Program

Who can apply

1. Applicant must be registered as a New Brunswick beekeeper in All purchases of materials and equipment that occurred prior to

2026 (as per the requirements of the New Brunswick Bee Act) project approval are not eligible for funding. Level of assistance subject to budget availability.

1. Applicant must be a member in good standing of the

New Brunswick Beekeepers Association in 2026 • Applicant must have a minimum of 50 viable colonies for ELEMENT A: winter survival

1. New Entrants that demonstrate knowledge and ability to

manage commercial beekeeping operations Expansion of honey bee for wild blueberry pollination services

1. Applicant must carry out activities within the province of Level of Assistance:

New Brunswick. Up to 50% to a maximum of $50,000 per producer per year.

1. Applicant must make colonies available for wild blueberry

pollination within New Brunswick; Objectives:

1. New applicants or entrants are required to submit a 5-year To support beekeepers that are expanding their operation to supply

business plan and a Honey Bee Development Plan; honey bees for blueberry fields. This element aims to support

1. Applicant must submit a Production Management Plan beekeepers that intend to purchase honey bees or grow their

that includes disease control and overwintering practices. operation from their existing operation.

Applicants with practices that are deemed by the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries (NBDAAF) Eligibility Criteria: to be poor practices will not be eligible for funding assistance. • Splitting of honey bee colonies: Up to $75.00 for every additional colony gained through splitting.

1. Beekeepers with less than 5 years experience must: The numbers of colonies gained through splitting will be limited

to 50% of the colonies in the spring (May 15 of the current year).

1. Have been employed by an experienced beekeeper for at least

one full season; or • Purchase of nuclei colonies: Up to 50% of the purchase price of a nucleus colony (minimum four (4) frame nucs) up to a maximum

1. Have completed a beekeeping course from a recognized post- of $135 per nuc. Proof of payment will be required. To be eligible

secondary institution; or for assistance, colonies must be purchased before July 31, 2026.

1. Establish a mentor relationship with an experienced • Purchase of bee packages: Up to 50% of the purchase price

beekeeper; or of a package purchased up to a maximum of $160 per package.

1. Have demonstrated the ability to successfully manage a Proof of payment will be required. To be eligible for assistance,

large-scale operation (100 or more colonies) for two or more packages must be purchased before July 31, 2026. winter seasons. • Purchase of full colonies: Up to 50% of the purchase price of a colony up to a maximum of $225 per colony.