What’s the buzz? We need more beekeepers

New Brunswick does not have enough commercial beekeepers, and that's a problem for more than your toast, says a Salisbury apiarist.

"There are less than 50 commercial beekeepers in the province," said Matt Casey, owner of NBee Gold in Salisbury.

A commercial beekeeper, or apiarist, is defined by the province as someone with more than 50 hives, he said.

Many farmers rely on bees to pollinate their crops, renting hives for their properties.

Blueberry farmers, for instance, need the hives on their properties and because the province don't have enough, they are turning to Ontario and Quebec for bee hives, Casey said.

This solution was complicated by COVID-19 this year. But it's actually always taking a risk getting hives from other provinces, because invasive pests that aren't found here can come with the hives, he said.

People can also purchase bees online, but they are often not adapted to our climate and often get sick, he said.

Creating more beekeepers in New Brunswick is a better solution, said Casey, but engagement of newcomer beekeepers seemed low.

With that in mind, NBee Gold launched a new program in which, for a fee of $100, an individual or group can adopt a hive. Adopters get to paint their hive, name the queen, visit their hive -- wearing provided beekeeper gear - and get a litre of honey from their hive at the end of the season. They also get email updates and photos about how their hive is doing, he said.

People have until May 31, 2021 to claim a hive and some have already been snatched up by daycares, homeschooling families and others looking to learn.

Casey is also offering workshops for those interested in learning about beekeeping, including one on Thursday held in-person and online.

There are things to know if you are thinking of trying your hand at beekeeping, he said. You need to register your hive and there are bylaws governing them, such as the need to keep a hive at least 30-feet from the property line.

But what started as a passion, like it did for Casey, can turn into a career.

This is the first year Casey has covered all his costs and re-invested back into his bee business, he said.

Next year, Casey is planning to have over 50 hives going to make him an official commercial beekeeper.

"I never imagined I could make it my full career," he said, while noting that with a variety of different clients for next season - including one that will see a hive in the middle of a field of lavender - perhaps this year will be the one when he can transition to being an apiarist full time.

But whether it's pursued as a passion or a career, Casey says beekeeping is not just for adults - he has beekeeper suits in all sizes.