BC Wildfires
BC Beekeepers affected by wildfires have some options:
See the mesage below this (from Small Business BC) for information and links to two government relief programs:
1) Small Business recovery grant: delivered through Red Cross $ 1500 for qualified small businesses. click here for information and if you are eligible click here to apply or call the Red Cross Support to Small Business Help Line at 1-855-999-3345.
2) Assistance for farms affected by wildfires.
This is being delivered through the AgriRecovery framework. It is not a requirement to participate in existing BRM Business Risk Management (Crop Insurance) programs to receive assistance under AgriRecovery; (BC does not have BRM programs for beekeeping, but a farm (e.g. cattle) with bees might include bee income in total farm income). AgriRecovery cannot duplicate or replace the assistance provided by these programs. AgriRecovery is not able to cover income or lost production, but rather helps producers with the extraordinary costs necessary to recover from a disaster.
The claims process for AgriRecovery for this incident is still in development. Stand by for an announcement or contact BCHPA executive for details if you want to make a claim. Click here for general information on AgriRecovery and how it works.
3) The BCHoney Producers Association is preparing to offer relief to beekeepers affected by the wildfires. Regional Representatives are preparing a list of beekeepers and the losses they incurred. Affected beekeepers should inform their BCHPA regional rep. see here Contributions to enable this relief can be directed to the BCHPA Treasurer Irene Tiampo. Non-cash contributions can be directed to Stan Reist.
A radio interview was aired a few times raising public awareness of the situation, and including that The Honeybee Centre (John Gibeau) agreed to support the effort by making available a donation box at their display at PNE, and matching contributions up to $2000. Thanks to John!
Kerry Clark, President
BC Honey Producers Association
