Beekeepers in Prince George will be buzzing with excitement after the B.C. government announced it has added two new bee inspectors.

The two new bee inspectors have been appointed to the northwest region of the province. One is assigned to the McBride-Prince George-Vanderhoof region, and the other to the Telkwa-Smithers-Terrace region.

The Minister of Agriculture Lana Popham says she understands the important role bees play in BC.

“Honey bees play a critical role in the daily lives of all British Columbians. I know how much farmers rely on pollination to maintain their livelihoods. That’s why we are committed to providing support and we are increasing inspection services to beekeepers in the province to ensure the health of our honey bees.”

The Ministry recently announced $25,000 in support to the B.C. Honey Producers Association. The funding will go toward researching bee health and pollination, through the program BeeBC.

“I think it is important for honey bee health to have consistent inspection of bee-colony sales throughout the province,” said Kerry Clark, president of the B.C. Honey Producers Association. “It is great that bee producers in the northwest will now have good access to inspectors.”

To celebrate the honey bee and their significant contribution to modern-day agriculture, the provincial government is proclaiming May 29, 2018, as the Day of the Honey Bee.

Bees contribute to a portion of our economy, bringing an estimated $550 million in B.C. by pollinating crops.