Production and value of honey and maple products, 2012

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Canadian beekeepers produced 90.9 million pounds of honey in 2012, a 13.8% increase from 2011. Canada had 8,126 beekeepers in 2012, 413 more than in 2011.

On average, each colony had a yield of 129 pounds, which was 3.5 pounds more than in 2011.

The number of managed colonies increased 10.7% from 637,900 to 706,400. The increase was a result of favourable weather conditions that resulted in low winter losses, particularly in the western provinces. Other contributing factors were overwintering and colony splitting.

Honey production in Alberta, the top producer in Canada, amounted to 40.5 million pounds, up 19% from 34.0 million pounds in 2011. Yields rose from 124 pounds per colony to 144 pounds.

In Saskatchewan, the increased number of colonies contributed to the increase in honey production from 15.9 million pounds in 2011 to 23.1 million pounds in 2012.

In contrast, production in Manitoba fell 14.3% following a wet spring and hot summer. Each colony in Manitoba had a yield of 165 pounds in 2012, down from 200 pounds in 2011.

In 2011, the total value of honey produced in Canada amounted to $151 million, up 4.5% from 2010.

The value of Canadian maple production in 2012 amounted to $314.7 million, down 9.8% from 2011.

Farmers produced 7.9 million gallons of maple syrup, sugar and butter in 2012, an 8.1% decrease from 2011.

Quebec accounted for 92% of maple production in Canada and for 88% of the value. Quebec farmers produced 7.3 million gallons in 2012, down 5.6% from 2011.

In Ontario, maple production declined 54.3%, as producers reported a shorter season and low yields in many parts of the province.

The average price per gallon in Ontario was $64.49 in 2012, down from $66.72 in 2011. In Quebec, the average price per gallon remained relatively steady at $38.34, compared with $38.09 in 2011.

Available without charge in CANSIM: tables CANSIM table001-0007 and CANSIM table001-0008.

Definitions, data sources and methods: survey numbers survey number3414 and survey number3419.

For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact us (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; infostats@statcan.gc.ca) or Media Relations (613-951-4636; statcan.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.statcan@canada.ca).