Apiculture: Home

Alberta has the largest beekeeping industry in Canada. In Alberta there are over 315,000 bee colonies, representing over 40% of Canada’s honey bees. This industry is served by the provincial apiculture program within the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. This program is focused on safe-guarding the industry through: the implementation of science-based regulations, carrying out applied and innovative research on honey bees and other pollinators, and by providing information, advice and other outreach services to help beekeepers in Alberta. Thus, we ensure the long term sustainability and prosperity of the beekeeping industry as well as associated agriculture systems.

Alerts

No honey bee colonies or nuclei are allowed from Ontario at this time. Only queens allowed with a permit. Please check the inspection requirements and permit requirements for moving queens on our regulation page

As of October 1st, 2018 the quarantine in the Peace River region has been lifted. Click here for more details.

Beekeepers planning to move bees into Alberta are required to submit a permit request form along with an inspection report from the exporting province at least two weeks prior to the desired transport date. Please check the inspection requirements and permit requirements for moving bees on our regulation page

As of December 1st, 2018 antibiotic treatments will require a prescription from a licensed veterinarian. To ensure a smooth transition, start building a vet-client-patient relationship as soon as possible and ensure you are familiar with the symptoms of American and European Foulbrood Disease. For more information please contact us.

September 8-12, 2019
Apimondia 2019
Join the International Federation of Beekeepers’ Associations in Montreal for a 5-day convention for scientists, technicians, honey traders, etc.

For more information about the content of this document, contact Olivia Hares.
This information published to the web on August 9, 2010.
Last Reviewed/Revised on January 30, 2019.