Bees will continue to be studied in Beaverlodge for at least the next five years. Grande Prairie Regional College’s National Bee Diagnostic Centre has received a $1.75 million funding renewal over the next five years to continue its work.
The funding came from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council. Acting Manager Patricia Wolf Veiga says it will allow the centre to keep up with the changing times and growing demand.
“We’ve seen demand for our services grow each year since we opened our doors. The renewed support from NSERC means we will be able to build our capacity in step with the growing demand for our research and diagnostic services.”
NBDC first opened its doors in 2013. Back in September, the facility was renovated to allow for more workstations and equipment.
The centre is the first lab in Canada to provide diagnostic services for honey bee pests, pathogens and parasites.