Production and value of honey and maple products

Life was a tad sweeter for maple syrup producers this year, but not quite so for beekeepers, according to preliminary data on the 2005 crops.

Canadian beekeepers produced nearly 75 million pounds of honey this summer, down 1% from last year.

On the other hand, farmers reported just over 6.1 million gallons of maple syrup this year, up from almost 5.9 million gallons last year. The maple syrup crop was worth nearly $175.1 million, up from $150.5 million.

Honey producers were hit by competition from cheap imports, as well as weak bulk honey prices hovering well below $1 per pound. There is no estimate available yet on the value of this year's honey production, although last year's was worth just over $121.1 million.

Honey yields declined nearly 3% this summer, largely because of a 14% drop in production in Alberta, the result of cold weather. Alberta beekeepers accounted for well over one-third (36%) of the Canadian market.

The highest yields were reported in Saskatchewan, thanks to a drier summer, while in Manitoba, yields remained below average, partly because of a wet spring.

Production fell drastically in British Columbia, while beekeepers in Quebec had an excellent production year. Those in Ontario recorded higher production, but the crop was still below average.

With respect to maple syrup, Quebec farmers continued to dominate the market, producing nearly 5.7 million gallons, or 93% of the national total.

The value of the maple syrup crop rose about 16% because of a 13% gain in prices for Quebec maple syrup.

Producers in Nova Scotia experienced a slight decline in production because of bad weather that led to short sap runs. Ontario's maple industry remained virtually unchanged from 2004.

Production and value for 2004 and a preliminary production estimate for 2005 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, 2005 (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 further information, contact Jennifer Roach (613-951-0589), Agriculture Division.