BEEKEEPER INDUSTRY TO BENEFIT FROM NEW COMMISSION

Beekeepers can look forward to new technologies and market opportunities from the newly established Saskatchewan Beekeepers Development Commission.

"We have established the Commission at the industry's request, in an effort to increase the profitability of beekeepers through research initiatives, the development of new market opportunities and improved production practices," Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman said.

The Commission will be financed through a mandatory refundable check-off. The check-off is set at $0.50 per colony, to be paid to the Commission by beekeepers on an annual basis. Beekeepers with 100 or more colonies are required to remit the check-off; however, beekeepers with fewer than 100 colonies may remit the check-off on a voluntary basis. Beekeepers may request a refund of this check-off once per year.

"We are pleased that the Government of Saskatchewan has approved our request for a producer-operated development commission," Saskatchewan Beekeepers Development Commission Interim Chair Tim Wendell said. "I would like to thank beekeepers in the province for the overwhelming support in the establishment of the Commission. I look forward to working with the new directors to take the initial steps in defining research, market development and extension priorities for our industry."

The Saskatchewan beekeeping industry consists of approximately 140 commercial beekeepers with an estimated 86,000 colonies in production. The check-off will be applied to all Saskatchewan beekeepers with at least 100 colonies, and is expected to generate estimated revenue of $40,000 per year for research, market development and extension.

The Commission is currently collecting the check-off for 2006. Information packages have recently been sent to all commercial beekeepers in Saskatchewan. All commercial beekeepers are required to register with the Commission. Commercial beekeepers who do not receive the Commission information, or any hobbyists who wish to participate, should contact the Commission by mail at P.O. Box 55, RR 3, Yorkton, SK, S3N 2X5, or by phone at (306) 783-7046.

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For More Information, Contact:

Scott Brown Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306) 787-4031