Production and value of honey and maple products

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2010 (Previous release)

Canadian beekeepers produced substantially more honey in 2010, while it was the opposite case for maple product producers.

Production of honey in 2010 amounted to 74.3 million pounds, roughly 4.0 million pounds, or 5.6% more than in 2009.

Meanwhile, farmers produced 7.2 million gallons of maple products, 19.9% less than the record high of 9.0 million gallons in 2009 that was the result of favourable weather conditions.

The total value of the 2010 maple products reached $280.9 million, down 20.6% from 2009. Maple products include maple syrup, maple sugar and maple butter.

Quebec farmers, who account for over 90% of Canadian maple products, produced 6.6 million gallons in 2010, down 1.6 million gallons from what was an exceptional year for them in 2009. In 2010, the average price for maple products in Quebec was $36.82 per gallon, compared with $37.45 in 2009.

Beekeepers' average yield of honey amounted to 120 pounds per colony, up slightly from 119 pounds in 2009. Beekeepers in Alberta, who produce over one-third of honey in Canada, reported a decline in yield from 116 pounds per colony to 106 pounds.

Yields varied from region to region. Production on the Prairies was less than expected because of an early spring and wet cool weather. In the Eastern and Central provinces, beekeepers reported better than average production, reflecting warm temperatures and sunny days.

Canada had 7,284 beekeepers in 2010, 256 more than in 2009. They managed 617,264 beehives in 2010, an increase of 25,144.

In 2009, the total value of honey produced amounted to $126.3 million, up by $21.1 million (+20.0%) from 2008.

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, 2010 (23-221-X, free), is now available. From the Key resource module of our website, under Publications, choose All subjects, then Agriculture.

For further information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact Rita Athwal (613-951-5022; rita.athwal@statcan.gc.ca), Agriculture Division.