Beekeeping Update for National Honey Bee Day

August 15 is National Honey Bee Day

August is a very exciting time at the hives. The bees remain busy filling at Amma Canada Farms' five hives with honey. There is now a lot of capped honey in the hives. We expect an early honey harvest this year! Details to follow in weeks to come.

In mid -August, it is best to stay a respectful distance from the apiary unless you are dressed for the occasion in a bee suit. At this time of year, food becomes less plentiful, and honey bees become more defensive. Many stings happen at this time, as bees are defending their space and protecting their honey stores. 

On August 15 of each year, honey bees have their special day named National Honey Bee Day. This day is dedicated to educating the public about the important role of honey bees in our food production. Honey bees continue to face significant challenges. National Honey Bee Day is a day to increase awareness of ways the public can protect honey bees, and help them so that they can continue to help us.

The honey bees are now facing many more threats than they did in the past. One deadly invader is Varroa destructor, aka varroa mite, which first appeared in Canada in 1989, and now threatens the very existence of the honey  bee. Crop monoculture, use of pesticides, and climate change are some of the other stressors that honey bees face.

Ways you can support honey bees:

• Plant a variety native plants, with the goal of having something blooming throughout the growing season.
• Avoid pesticides and herbicides that harm pollinators.
• Support local beekeepers and growers.
• Purchase honey that is produced locally.

If you are interested in joining the beekeeping team at Amma Canada Farms, please email ammatoronto@ammagroups.org. 

Om Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu