Beekeeping Opportunity in New Zealand 2016 Season
Update March 10, 2016 - AgCoalition formalizes plans for a producer-led structure to engage the agriculture community on Bill 6
Click here for the press release...
ABC Bill 6 letter to AB Government click here to read
*UPDATE* Notice Regarding Shipments of Honey to Japan
Dear industry stakeholders,
On December 19, 2014, Canada was informed that Japan refused entry to a shipment of honey from Alberta due to the voluntary attestation that the level of residues for tylosin, one of four different antibiotics on the certificate of analysis accompanying the shipment, was below 0.001 ppm. In the absence of an approved Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) specifically for honey, Japan is imposing a zero tolerance for the presence of this antibiotic residue in honey.
We have since determined that Japan notified the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in July 2013 of revisions to the standards for foods and food additives for two agricultural chemicals, including tylosin. However, although Japan listed honey as a product covered under WTO notification No. 319, in the absence of a Codex MRL, Canada did not provide comments regarding tylosin.
We are aware that Health Canada (HC) is in the process of establishing an MRL of 0.2 ppm for tylosin in honey. The process is expected to be concluded in 2015, following consultations in 2014. HC has indicated that they are willing to share scientific findings with Japanese officials to assist them in adopting Canada’s proposed MRL. The Market Access Secretariat (MAS) will initiate the request for the Japanese authorities to adopt Canada’s MRL for tylosin in honey, once adopted domestically. However, this may not be an expeditious process.
In the meantime, we recommend that all Canadian honey exports to Japan be free from tylosin, given that any detectable levels of this veterinary drug in a shipment will likely result in refused entry. Shipments where tylosin is declared on the certificate of analysis should be re-directed to other markets.
We will keep you appraised as the file evolves. Should you have additional questions, contact us via email at: mas-sam@agr.gc.ca
Regards.
Market Access Secretariat | Secrétariat à l'accès aux marchés
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada | Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada
1341 Baseline Road, T5-3-346 | 1341, chemin Baseline, T5-3-346
Ottawa, Ontario | Ottawa (Ontario) K1A 0C5
E-mail Address | Adresse courriel: mas-sam@agr.gc.ca
Facsimile | Télécopieur 613-773-0199
Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada
Click here for Japanese MRL's for Tylosin in Food (Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)...PDF
Click here for the "Proposal to amend the List of MRLs for veterinary drugs in foods - CFIA".......
Canadian Honey Council/Canadian Seed Trade Association Press Release
Thymovar and Hopguard for Varroa Mite Research Paper
The "New Miticides for Integrated Pest Management of Varroa Destructor (Acari:Varroidae) in Honey Bee Colonies on the Canadian Prairies" is now available. Click here for a copy of the report....PDF
Statistical Overview of the Canadian Honey Industry 2013
Click here for the website.....(AAFC).
Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program 2014-2019
The Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP) (2014-2019) is a five-year, $50.3 million program providing non-repayable contributions for industry-led projects that help the agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sector to adapt and remain competitive. The program ends on March 31, 2019
Click here for more information.......
Canadian Bee Industry Safety Quality Traceability (CBISQT)
The Canadian Honey Council is very pleased to announce that CBISQT has passed the final hurdle, the technical review, and is available for producers to voluntarily adopt. Paticular thanks go out to Tim Townsend and Robert McDonald who worked diligently to complete the process.
The Producer Manual can be seen here:
Immediate Release: Alberta Beekeepers Commission statement regarding Ontario bee lawsuit
The Alberta Beekeepers Commission has released an official statement in regards to the recent lawsuit filed by two Ontario beekeepers against Bayer CropScience and Syngenta. For any questions regarding this statement, please contact the Alberta Beekeepers Commission office at 780-489-6949.
Click here for the official statement...(PDF):
National Bee Diagnostic Center Information:
The National Bee Diagnostic Centre is pleased to announce that we are now accepting samples for the 2014 season. Attached is an updated Sample Procedures Fees and Services Brochure as well as a new Submission Form. The NBDC has made some changes to the services, so please note that we have discontinued the Full Spectrum Analysis Package. This will allow clients to customize what will constitute a full spectrum analysis specific for each beekeeper. Please contact our office if you require assistance. We look forward to your submissions for the 2014 season.
Services and Fees
Submission Form
*PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL NBDC CLIENT INFORMATION IS CONFIDENTIAL!
Regards,
Lee-Anne Alde
National Bee Diagnostic Centre
Centre for Research & Innovation
Grande Prairie Regional College
