DAY OF THE HONEY BEE PROCLAIMED IN SASKATCHEWAN

The Day of the Honey Bee in Saskatchewan will be observed, for the second consecutive year, on May 29, 2011.

"Saskatchewan produces some of the highest quality honey in the world," Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud said. "We are proud to proclaim the Day of the Honey Bee in Saskatchewan in recognition of our honey producers."

Saskatchewan's beekeepers produce about 8,000 tonnes of honey a year for Canadian and international consumption. Their production, based on the recent five-year-average, is worth about $21 million a year. The value of honey bees for the pollination of crops in Canada is also estimated at more than $2 billion annually, according to the Canadian Honey Council.

"Honey producers play an important role in our agriculture industry and work hard to produce a high quality product for consumers," Saskatchewan Beekeepers Association Chair Calvin Parsons said. "We are pleased the provincial government is again recognizing the efforts of honey producers and the value of bees in the pollination of crops in Saskatchewan with this proclamation."

Various countries around the world have recognized the importance of the honey bee to agriculture and have proclaimed days or weeks in honour of the honey bee.

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For more information, contact:

Jenna Webb
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: jenna.webb@gov.sk.ca