This text outlines a six-year initiative by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to track the health and survival of local honey bee populations. By randomly selecting stationary apiaries for seasonal inspections, researchers aim to document the presence of various viral pathogens and parasites like Varroa mites. Inspectors collect biological samples and observe colony conditions from spring through the following winter to measure overwintering success rates. The primary goal of this study is to build a comprehensive inventory of the diseases affecting these insects to better inform management practices and environmental policy. Ultimately, the data will be used to protect the sustainable food supply and improve the long-term resilience of Ontario’s agricultural economy.
