Evaluating an innovative honeybee queen banking system to reduce beekeepers' reliance on imported queens, address increasing honeybee overwintering losses, and shape a more sustainable beekeeping industry in Ontario

Lead Applicant: Nigel Raine

Research Priority: Innovative Products and Product Improvement

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2025/2026

Research Centre: NA

Research Summary: Ontario beekeepers often buy honeybee queens from other places in the spring to replace lost colonies. This can be expensive and risky because it may bring unwanted traits or diseases. Researchers are working on a queen banking system to help beekeepers raise their own queens. the systems uses a special cage and feeder to keep queens healthy over the winter. Beekeepers can grow queens in the summer and use them in early spring when local queens are not available. This method could reduce dependence on imports and make Ontario's beekeeping industry stronger. Having a reliable supply of queens will help protect bee health and improve honey production.