Have you ever considered becoming a beekeeper? It's a growing sector with a lot of upside.
The Canadian economy has been under serious pressure over the past couple of years. In times like these, we need to get in touch with our inner entrepreneur and look for new sustainable business opportunities that we may not ever have previously considered.
Urban beekeeping is definitely outside of the box for most people. If it's done right, it can be a viable, sustainable and profitable business venture. But it is important to educate yourself as much as possible or you run the risk of losing your investment, falling afoul of the law, and endangering anyone in close proximity to the hives. So learn, learn, learn, learn before you jump in.
How you can get started as a beekeeper
Many urban bee enthusiasts want to raise bees as a means of helping to increase crashing bee populations. There are organizations out there, such as Scientificbeekeeping.com, that can teach you what you need to know to become an apiculturist (beekeeper).
In some places, you can even host someone else's hive, to find out if beekeeping is really for you. If you decide to take it to the next level, you will have gained the practical knowledge and hands-on experience you need to start your own hives and produce and sell your own honey. You will also have an appreciation of the costs which will help you develop a realistic business plan.
Where to find information and help about beekeeping
Canada's Urban Bee Network is an excellent resource for novices and experienced beekeepers alike. They have information on many topics, including: (i) checking out your local bylaws to find out if beekeeping is allowed, (ii) what type of permits or licences you will need, (iii) how to find other bee enthusiasts in your area, (iv) what types of plantings are most bee-friendly, and (v) how to treat bee stings.
Check your area for industry organizations such as the Calgary and District Beekeepers Association. This will help you build a network of business contacts, knowledge sources and marketing ideas.
And be sure to check federal and provincial laws regarding the sale and distribution of honey and bee products. You will need to ensure that you comply with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CIFA) regulations and requirements.
The pros and cons of having your own beehives
The benefits of being an urban apiarist are many. Some of the more obvious include:
- a way to increase pollinator populations and promote biodiversity,
- promotion of food security through pollination,
- encouraging healthier bees due to better diet,
- relatively low startup costs,
- an opportunity to make additional income by selling artisanal bee products (honey, beeswax, bee pollen, royal jelly), and
- a sustainable and environmentally responsible business option that will weather an economic downturn.
But there are negatives to consider as well, such as:
- the potential to lose an entire hive due to disease, infestation or overcrowding,
- risk of stings and swarms,
- insurance liability claims if someone else is stung by one of your bees,
- legal and regulatory compliance issues, and
- the time-intensive nature of the business.
As well, you may face opposition from your neighbours who are not as well educated about the generally placid nature of bees and who aren't swayed by environmental arguments.
There is also the risk of theft of your hives. Bee products are big business, and hive owners in many countries have been targeted by thieves looking to make a fast buck selling the bees on the black market.
Conclusion
Urban beekeeping is an expanding industry and one that is likely to be here to stay. It is a business that can be started quickly and with a relatively small amount of capital, but that requires research and education about the field. Overall, it is a low-cost, sustainable and environmentally friendly business segment with the potential for good returns on the dollar. There's money in that honey, sonny.
Image © H. Cuthill
