Review of the Canadian National Beekeeping Convention: BeeTech 2026

The beneficial work of industry associations and organizations, which is done on behalf of our beekeeping sector, was fully on display last week in Calgary.  The Canadian Honey Council, as the main organizer, brought together a range of stakeholders, beekeepers, researchers, trade show venders and more, for two full days of meetings.  Delegates heard great presentations, had opportunities to network and speak with vendors and learn what is new in our industry.  Some of the highlights of this meeting are presented below.

Review of the Canadian National Beekeeping Convention: BeeTech 2026

Calgary, for the second time, hosted the Canadian National Beekeeping Convention this past week with over 270 delegates traveling to this easily accessible city.   Two full days, February 13 – 14, of presentations and an evening banquet provided a tremendous learning opportunity.  The organizers are to be commended on the quality and breadth of speakers who kept the group fully engaged for both days.  On top of the organized events there was also some opportunity to network which is one of the often-undervalued benefits of attending these meetings.

One of the themes, for formal presentations and discussion, was the threat to Canadian beekeeping from the Tropilaelaps mite.  A full morning was dedicated to this topic.  Currently, there are very few Canadians who have firsthand knowledge of this Asian pest. This leaves us reliant on limited hands-on experience and emerging research.  Luckily, scientists from Auburn University (Alabama), led by Dr. Geoff Wilson, are creating a North American center of knowledge on the Tropilaelaps mite.  Dr Wilson spoke, as a keynote, on the work of this team.  A panel discussion on this same subject followed with other entomological experts, as well as the audience, engaging in a fact-based exploration of this emerging, global threat.  It was concluded that we have a great deal still to understand about Tropilaelaps mites but the industry is committed to being as prepared as possible to deal with it if necessary.

The possible threat of the Tropilaelaps mite did not mean that the current and ongoing challenge of Varroa mite was ignored.  There were several excellent presentations on Varroa mite management throughout the two days of BeeTech 2026.  These ranged from ongoing discussions regarding the use of existing treatments, such as oxalic acid, to emerging tools (Narroa^TM).  There was plenty of discussion amongst the delegates about the four new Varroa treatment options recently registered for use in Canada.  This discussion was supported by presentations done by representatives of the manufacturers of these new solutions.  An excellent overview of all Varroa mite treatments was provided by Lynae Ovinge (University of Lethbridge) which, in a straightforward and concise way, demonstrated the seasonal choices beekeepers now have for Varroa mite management.

Learning resources, such as this image showing a comparison of the Varroa mite and the Tropilaelaps mite, are generously shared by researchers at the University of Auburn.

Other presenters covered a broad range of topics related to honey bee health.  A couple of novel vaccine solutions for viral as well as brood disease were of particular interest. The discussion of emerging technologies, which include molecular fingerprinting techniques for honey testing (Stephane Bayen, McGill University), show the direction the industry is moving.

The BeeTech 2026 meeting was a great chance to learn what is new and immediately available to beekeepers for overall husbandry and specific disease management.  There was also insight into where the industry may be going with advancing technology.  The Canadian Honey Council are to be commended in their organization and hosting of this hugely beneficial meeting.  The BeeTech meetings have become an important event in our national beekeeping calendar.  The rumor is that next year’s meeting may be closer to home for Atlantic Canadians, and although our region was well represented in 2026, beekeepers are encouraged to attend what will be another great event in 2027.

Connecting with ATTTA Specialists

If you’d like to connect with ATTTA specialists or learn more about our program, you can:

visit our website at https://www.perennia.ca/portfolio-items/honey-bees/

Email attta@perennia.ca

The Atlantic Tech Transfer Team for Apiculture had the opportunity to attend the Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists (CAPA) annual general meeting 2026 this week both virtually and in-person (Calgary, AB). Attending national meetings such as the CAPA AGM, as well as the Canadian Honey Council National Beekeeping Convention, is important to ATTTA as it provides the opportunity to voice the concerns and needs of the Atlantic beekeeping industry at the national level. Read this week’s blog to learn more about CAPA and why it is valuable that all Tech Transfer programs participate in this association. 

The Importance of Participation of the Atlantic Tech Transfer Team for Apiculture in National Groups

The Canadian Association of Profession Apiculturists (CAPA) is the umbrella group for professionals who independently conduct research, educate and otherwise support the beekeeping industry across the country. This group of apiculturists converge every year at the CAPA annual general meeting. The 2026 meeting, held in Calgary, AB, highlighted the importance of this association and the extensive work members are involved in, within and outside of the group, to support Canada’s beekeeping industry. It is worthwhile highlighting the importance of ATTTA and all Tech Transfer programs participating in national groups such as CAPA and also attending events hosted by the Canadian Honey Council (CHC).

Logos of Canadian national beekeeping groups: Canadian Honey Council and Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists.

Members of CAPA engage in diverse activities in their roles outside of the professional association, such as regulatory aspects of honey bee management, honey bee health inspections, honey bee health and pollination research, collection of statistics, conservation initiatives to support wild pollinators, and development of cost-effective practices and tools to support a sustainable beekeeping industry. CAPA meets annually in conjunction with the Canadian Honey Council (CHC) as a joint, important communication and networking event.

The communication between ATTTA and national groups allows the Atlantic beekeeping industry to have a voice nationally. The Atlantic beekeeping industry in unique compared to other regions of Canada. For example, Newfoundland and Labrador has the privilege of being Varroa mite free, and protecting their industry should be a priority of all other Canadian provinces. Additionally, the commercial beekeeping business model for the Atlantic provinces is very different from other areas in Canada where most Atlantic commercial beekeepers prioritize wild blueberry pollination, and expected honey production is less than regions of Canada where commercial colonies pollinate canola plants. Making sure that the Atlantic region is well represented at national meetings is important for these reasons. Additionally, national meetings provide valuable information on new research, industry priorities and market trends which, when appropriate, ATTTA can circulate that information throughout the Atlantic region.

Although each Tech Transfer team does a great job at representing their industry at the national level it is also encouraged for individual beekeepers to get involved with national groups and training opportunities when possible. For example, there are two upcoming Canadian Honey Bee Health webinars taking place on March 18^th and March 25^th which are organized by the Canadian Honey Council and the Canadian Bee Tech Transfer Programs. 

Upcoming Canadian Honey Bee Health webinars taking place on March 18^th and March 25^th which are organized by the Canadian Honey Council and the Canadian Bee Tech Transfer Programs.

Overall, ATTTA, and all other Tech Transfer Programs, communicate and work with CAPA and the CHC on industry concerns that are shared across the country. Canadian beekeepers are fortunate to have both of these organizations working on their behalf. To learn about new research happening both nationally and internationally read next week’s blog which will highlight research shared at the National Beekeeping Convention. 

Connecting with ATTTA Specialists

If you’d like to connect with ATTTA specialists or learn more about our program, you can:

visit our website at https://www.perennia.ca/portfolio-items/honey-bees/

Email attta@perennia.ca