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Friday, November 14, 2003 Production and value of honey and maple products2003Canadian maple syrup producers tapped 5.7 million gallons in 2003, up 10% from 2002. This increase is due to the 11% jump in Quebec production alone. Quebec's maple syrup production value represents 93% of Canada's total production. In 2004, Quebec will be moving to a quota system in order to reduce the amount of syrup reserves. This coming quota system and favorable weather in Quebec contributed to the current increase in maple syrup production. Production increased 8% in New Brunswick but fell 5% in Ontario. Canadian beekeepers produced 74 million pounds of honey in 2003, down 9% from 2002. Eastern provinces experienced a cool spring and many wet days, while the western provinces had some excessively dry conditions. These poor weather conditions contributed to low production yields throughout the early part of the season. However, good honey flows were experienced later in the season, making 2003 an average year overall. This recent Canadian winter was a harsh one, and as a result many colonies experienced above normal losses. Varroa mite infestations were also prevalent throughout all provinces in Canada. Although many provinces saw losses in the number of beekeepers and colonies since last year, Quebec experienced the most significant losses, as colony numbers dropped by half and production was as low as between a quarter and a third of the usual amount. A $1.9-million program was put into place to help Quebec beekeepers whose colonies have suffered as a result of the Varroa mite. Production and value for 2002 and a preliminary production estimate for 2003 are now available for honey and maple products. Available on CANSIM: tables 001-0007 and 001-0008. Definitions, data sources and methods: survey numbers, including related surveys, 3414 and 3419. The annual bulletin Production and value of honey and maple products, 2003 (23-221-XIB, free) is now available online. From the Our products and services page, under Browse our Internet publications, choose Free, then Agriculture. For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact Jennifer Roach (613-951-0589), Agriculture Division |
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