Integrating Riparian Buffers with Apiculture: a Demonstration
British Columbia is replete with small private woodlots endowed with streams. Riparian corridors are rarely utilized, yet can provide multiple benefits to land owners when managed with care.
The shrubs in this system benefit from honey bee pollination services as they support honey production. The riparian buffer further compliments the apiary by providing both a windbreak and surface water required by bees.
Some Key Opportunities
The shrubs in this system benefit from honey bee pollination services as they support honey production. The riparian buffer further compliments the apiary by providing both a windbreak and surface water required by bees.
Some Key Opportunities
- Sensitive riparian systems can be cultivated for economic benefit while protecting drinking water and habitat.
- A cost-benefit analysis will provide a repeatable tool for potential practitioners.
- Agricultural production can be promoted through interrelationships of honey bees, cultivated shrubs and riparian buffers.
- Native plants are both economically and ecologically valuable.
Natural, Organic, Native
The shrub species selected for this project have markets within and outside the region. Cascara (Rhamnus purshiana) bark is in demand as a natural laxative ingredient. High bush cranberry (Viburnum opulus var. americana) is needed for a variety of medicinal uses as well as berries. Demand for tall Oregon-grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is rising. It is used as a substitute for goldenseal due to a CITES listing. Similarly, despite numerous small-scale honey producers in the West Kootenays, demand for honey is higher than the local supply.
As practitioners of AGROFORESTRY, we are integrating tree production with other natural products into an environmentally friendly blend.
Native trees and shrubs are best-adapted to growing in their natural range. By choosing these, we can forego the use of pesticides and herbicides - yet still maintain significant production.
You can learn a lot about BC Agroforesty here. Useful websites are listed on the Links Page.
As practitioners of AGROFORESTRY, we are integrating tree production with other natural products into an environmentally friendly blend.
Native trees and shrubs are best-adapted to growing in their natural range. By choosing these, we can forego the use of pesticides and herbicides - yet still maintain significant production.
You can learn a lot about BC Agroforesty here. Useful websites are listed on the Links Page.
This endeavor is supported by the Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative.
Funding for the British Columbia Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative (AIDI) has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). In British Columbia, this program is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.
The Province of British Columbia provides in-kind support to the AIDI. The AIDI is administered by the Federation of BC Woodlot Associations with the guidance of the Agroforestry Management Committee.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is committed to working with industry partners. Opinions expressed on this website are those of the authors and not necessarily those of AAFC.
The Province of British Columbia provides in-kind support to the AIDI. The AIDI is administered by the Federation of BC Woodlot Associations with the guidance of the Agroforestry Management Committee.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is committed to working with industry partners. Opinions expressed on this website are those of the authors and not necessarily those of AAFC.