Hive Mentality Beekeeping in Canada’s vineyards by Tammy Schuster
Locally bred honey bees are significant because the majority of honey bees in Canada are actually imported stock from locations such as Australia, New Zealand, California, and Hawaii.
M
ore than a hobby or a daring stunt, beekeeping is a growing fascination for many. Whether it’s
in each region. For example, the West
Vancouver Island who would like to
Coast doesn’t have the same mono-
have that one hive in their backyard.”
floral crops as other regions, “Instead of canola and clover, we have delicate
for honey production, ecosystem
Abbott, master beekeeper at Lenora
balance, or mental health, bees
Bee Apiary, manages several hives
arbutus and blackberry blooms. So
provide a different benefit for each
located on the grounds of the Blue
we require a site with a diverse flora
person.
Grouse Estate Winery in the Cowichan
that enables the bees to forage year
Valley.
round.”
She says beekeeping is very different
This makes vineyards an ideal
“There is definitely more interest in beekeeping,” says Chelsea Abbott.
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“There are so many people here on
