The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $10 million to help the grape growing and beekeeping sectors offset extraordinary costs caused by significant grapevine and bee colony losses due to extreme weather conditions in 2021-22.

Two new AgriRecovery initiatives will provide up to $5 million for eligible grape growers and up to $5 million for eligible commercial beekeepers.

In July 2023, eligible Ontario grape growers can apply for financial support under the Canada-Ontario Grapevine Winter Injury Initiative (2021-2022) to help recover from significant vine damage and loss. The damage resulted from a series of severe weather events including periods of drought, heavy rains and extreme cold, from summer 2021 to winter 2022. The initiative will provide funding for up to 70 per cent of the costs of replacing or renewing grapevines lost or damaged during the defined period.

“These new AgriRecovery initiatives are welcome news for both sectors and will help our grape growers and beekeepers recover from these extraordinary events that occurred beyond their control,” said Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Supports for beekeepers will offset extraordinary costs caused by abnormal conditions during the 2021-22 winter, including severe weather and varroa mite damage. In July 2023, eligible Ontario beekeepers can apply for financial support through the Canada-Ontario Overwinter Bee Colony Loss Replacement Initiative (2021-2022) to manage increased bee colony losses that occurred over the 2021-22 season. Eligible beekeepers will receive up to 70 per cent of the high cost of purchasing bee colonies to replace those impacted during the defined time period.

These initiatives will be delivered by Agricorp.

Source: OMAFRA June 22, 2023 news release