COMMERCIAL BEES THREATEN WILD BEES, SAY RESEARCHERS . . . NEW FUNDING AGREEMENT SIGNED FOR ATLANTIC VETERINARY COLLEGE . . . NEW PROJECTS TO STRENGTHEN FUTURE FOR CANADIAN PULSES . . . COMMUNITY FEED-IN-TARIFF PROGRAM ACHIEVES GOAL, ON HOLD . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...>

COMMERCIAL BEES THREATEN WILD BEES, SAY RESEARCHERS
Source: BBC
New measures are needed to stop diseases carried by commercial bees spilling over into the wild, says a University of Exeter team. Evidence suggests bees bred in captivity can carry diseases that could be a risk to native species. Bees are used commercially to pollinate crops such as peppers and oilseed rape. Species of bees used for this purpose, or in commercial hives, are known to suffer from parasite infections and more than 20 viruses. (read more)

NEW FUNDING AGREEMENT SIGNED FOR ATLANTIC VETERINARY COLLEGE
Source: Island Farmer
A 10-year funding agreement for the region’s only veterinary school was signed at the Council of Atlantic Premiers meeting in St. John’s. The issue of a stable funding arrangement for the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown has been in the negotiation stages for over two years. On the regional front, it was the swan song for P.E.I. Premier Robert Ghiz, who will be leaving office in February. (read more)

NEW PROJECTS TO STRENGTHEN FUTURE FOR CANADIAN PULSES
Source: Agriculture And Agri-Food Canada
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced an investment of more than $3.3 million to Pulse Canada to help increase the use of pulse and pulse products in the food manufacturing industry and to assist multi-sector producers in responding to non-tariff barriers in overseas markets. Pulse Canada will receive over $3 million in funding over five years from the AgriMarketing Program under Growing Forward 2 (GF2). (read more)

COMMUNITY FEED-IN-TARIFF PROGRAM ACHIEVES GOAL, ON HOLD
Source: N.S. Dept of Energy
Government approved the next phase Jan. 15 for seven new Community Feed-In Tariff (COMFIT) projects to produce local renewable electricity. Government also announced plans to pause and evaluate the COMFIT program to ensure it continues to be community-based, innovative and contributes to the province's future energy needs. (read more)