Industry Code: 01404
This industry includes the purchase of bees, providing proper nourishment for them and harvesting the honey and beeswax. These bees are also used to pollinate small-seeded legumes which require insects for cross-pollination.
Operation Details:
Most bee colonies in Alberta are started from package bees imported annually from California in the spring. They are normally sold by the pound, approximately 2,000 bees to the pound, including one queen.
Bees are placed in strategic locations to assist in the cross-pollination of small seeded legumes. From the time the bees are purchased until the first blooms of alfalfa, clover, etc., they must be fed a mixture of sugar and water. This is normally a hand operation. Honey production starts in the middle of summer and continues until fall. The average hive production is 140 pounds of honey. There are a number of "supers" in a hive. These "supers" are where the bees contain the brood and produce honey. The "supers" are shaped like and look like drawers and have wooden slates that fit inside them. The "supers" are then piled on top of one another approximately four high (four feet in height). The lower "supers" in a hive contain the brood while the upper "supers" contain the honey. As the honey "supers" are filled, additional "supers" are added. This cycle continues until fall when either the bee hives are wrapped with insulation for wintering or are killed by gas.
The equipment used to separate and strain honey from combs are stainless steel tubs using centrifugal force, strainers and hand tools. Honey is sold in a pure state with no additives. It is the type of pollen that determines the flavour: alfalfa, clover, wild flowers, etc. Some producers package their production however, most sell to processors.
Underwriting Considerations:
Commercial operators market their honey in bulk through beekeeper co-operatives and private honey packers although some export directly to other countries. Some quantities of honey are sold directly to the consumer, especially by hobby apiarists. The raising and selling of bees and the processing of own honey is classified in this industry. Apiaries processing honey other than their own, may require an additional classification in Industry 13100 - Food Processing - Miscellaneous.
Industry Custom Pricing: Waiving Cost Relief Option
This industry has chosen to participate in Industry Custom Pricing effective January 1, 2009. Costs related to the aggravation of a pre-existing condition will not be removed from the experience record of employers classified in this industry. In return, the portion of premiums collected to fund retroactive cost relief has been removed from the industry rate, resulting in a reduction in WCB premium rates for the industry.
Premium Rate History:
Activities:
Apiaries
Honey Farms
Rate Group History:
In 2016, new rate groups were established to better define the various types of farming operations being conducted in Alberta. The Small Animal Producers/Handlers rate group encompasses industries that pertain to the farming of smaller animals. Prior to 2016, these operations were classified in Industry 01900, Rate Group 017100.
Effective January 31, 2020, farm and ranch employers with six or more waged non-family workers can choose to have their workplace insurance coverage under the Workers’ Compensation Act or through a private insurance provider. Employers are not required to have workplace insurance if they have five or fewer non-family workers, or hire workers for less than six consecutive months.
This industry includes the purchase of bees, providing proper nourishment for them and harvesting the honey and beeswax. These bees are also used to pollinate small-seeded legumes which require insects for cross-pollination.
Premium Rate History:
Activities:
Apiaries
Honey Farms
Operation Details:
Most bee colonies in Alberta are started from package bees imported annually from California in the spring. They are normally sold by the pound, approximately 2,000 bees to the pound, including one queen.
Bees are placed in strategic locations to assist in the cross-pollination of small seeded legumes. From the time the bees are purchased until the first blooms of alfalfa, clover, etc., they must be fed a mixture of sugar and water. This is normally a hand operation. Honey production starts in the middle of summer and continues until fall. The average hive production is 140 pounds of honey. There are a number of "supers" in a hive. These "supers" are where the bees contain the brood and produce honey. The "supers" are shaped like and look like drawers and have wooden slates that fit inside them. The "supers" are then piled on top of one another approximately four high (four feet in height). The lower "supers" in a hive contain the brood while the upper "supers" contain the honey. As the honey "supers" are filled, additional "supers" are added. This cycle continues until fall when either the bee hives are wrapped with insulation for wintering or are killed by gas.
The equipment used to separate and strain honey from combs are stainless steel tubs using centrifugal force, strainers and hand tools. Honey is sold in a pure state with no additives. It is the type of pollen that determines the flavour: alfalfa, clover, wild flowers, etc. Some producers package their production however, most sell to processors.
Underwriting Considerations:
Commercial operators market their honey in bulk through beekeeper co-operatives and private honey packers although some export directly to other countries. Some quantities of honey are sold directly to the consumer, especially by hobby apiarists. The raising and selling of bees and the processing of own honey is classified in this industry. Apiaries processing honey other than their own, may require an additional classification in Industry 13100 - Food Processing - Miscellaneous.
Industry Custom Pricing: Waiving Cost Relief Option
This industry has chosen to participate in Industry Custom Pricing effective January 1, 2009. Costs related to the aggravation of a pre-existing condition will not be removed from the experience record of employers classified in this industry. In return, the portion of premiums collected to fund retroactive cost relief has been removed from the industry rate, resulting in a reduction in WCB premium rates for the industry.
Rate Group History:
In 2016, new rate groups were established to better define the various types of farming operations being conducted in Alberta. The Small Animal Producers/Handlers rate group encompasses industries that pertain to the farming of smaller animals. Prior to 2016, these operations were classified in Industry 01900, Rate Group 017100.
Effective January 31, 2020, farm and ranch employers with six or more waged non-family workers can choose to have their workplace insurance coverage under the Workers’ Compensation Act or through a private insurance provider. Employers are not required to have workplace insurance if they have five or fewer non-family workers, or hire workers for less than six consecutive months.