(Photo Credit: Randy Vanderveen Beaverlodge/Grande Prairie)

By Nathaniel Leigh

Northwestern Polytechnic

NWP’s Bee Diagnostic Centre receives grant

Apr 3, 2025 | 6:00 AM

Northwestern Polytechnic has received funding to advance research examining a parasite that targets honeybee colonies.

NWP’s National Bee Diagnostic Centre has received a $195,300 grant from non-profit Results Driven Agriculture Research to fund research into Varroa mite and the viruses it carries.

Over the next two years, NWP will specifically focus on research to identify miticide resistance in the mite population, which is currently the leading cause of honeybee hive loss.

The researchers will work with industry associations to assist beekeepers in making educated decisions to limit and control a mite infestation.

Honey production in Canada is valued at $278 million, with beekeepers providing $4 billion to $5.5 billion in additional value.

NWP’s acting dean of Applied Research and Innovation Patricia Wolf Veiga says the study will provide valuable insights so that the industry has the best tools to combat one of the primary threats to Canadian Apiaries.

NWP President and CEO Dr. Vanessa Sheane says RDAR is a valued partner and a great facilitator of applied research projects.