Carried Resolutions

 

Whereas Consumers are increasingly confused by inconsistent terminology used to describe honey products in the marketplace—terms such as “Raw Honey,” “Unpasteurized Honey,” and “Pasteurized Honey” are used interchangeably or without clear definitions. The absence of clearly defined and commonly accepted standards within Ontario’s beekeeping and honey industry undermines consumer trust, hampers transparent marketing, and may disadvantage producers who adhere to transparent practices.

and Whereas the OBA states that it works “to ensure a thriving and sustainable honey bee industry in Ontario,” and provides education and advocacy for the industry. The OBA encourages its members and the public to “join the effort... to promote and protect bees and the beekeeping industry, of which we are all a part.”

Be it Resolved that the OBA formally adopt and/or develop (if needed), and publish standardized definitions for the terms Honey, Raw Honey, Organic Honey, Unpasteurized Honey, and Pasteurized Honey that can be used consistently in the Ontario honey industry. 

and be it further Resolved that these definitions are developed in consultation with stakeholders—including producers, packers, regulators (such as the Canadian Honey Council / CHC)—to ensure alignment with regulatory frameworks and to support a clear, credible value-proposition for Ontario honey in the  marketplace. That the OBA undertake an educational and marketing campaign for its membership and the wider public, explaining the standardised terms, the importance of consistent terminology, and how transparent labelling benefits consumer trust and the reputation of Ontario honey. That the OBA include these standardised definitions as part of its member-benefit communication (for example via its journal, workshops and website) and encourage adoption across the Ontario honey industry (producers, packers, retailers).

 

Moved by: Dave Stotesbury   Seconded by: Ian Grant

Passed

 

 

Whereas not-for-profit Boards are most effective when their Directors represent diverse interests, experiences, and perspectives. 

and Whereas immediate family members and close business associates are more likely to share similar interests, experiences, and perspectives.

and Whereas the OBA has historically only had a single immediate family member or close business associate on the Board at the same time.

Be it resolved that the OBA shall not allow the election of an individual to the Board of Directors while an immediate family member or close business associate is serving a term on the Board of Directors.

and Be it further resolved that the Board will develop a policy to guide the implementation of this resolution.

 

Moved by: Stephen Moore    Seconded by: Tom Congdon

Passed

Whereas the OBA has been dealing with stagnating revenue from membership numbers which is the primary funding for the association as a whole, 

and Whereas a higher income for the association would allow for improved funding to programs and assistance that is vital to the Ontario honeybee industry, 

Be it Resolved that a committee be formed to consider a restructuring of the membership platform to a tiered format for the purpose of encouraging members with higher hive counts to contribute more to the association, 

Further be it Resolved that this committee discuss what benefits be given to each tier to incentivize current and new members to register with the association. 

 

Moved by: Jacob Parker  Seconded by: Chris Hamilton 

Passed

Whereas the commercial beekeeping community represents a large percentage of Ontario's colony count and is vitally important to the overall beekeeping industry in Ontario

and Whereas past commercial roundtables have allowed productive face to face discussions on issues relevant to the commercial industry.

Be it Resolved that the Ontario Beekeeper's Association make it standard that a commercial beekeeper's roundtable be held during the time frame of the AGM that encourages the largest number of commercial beekeepers to be able to attend.

 

Moved by: Adam Bayard   Seconded by: Chris Hamilton 

Passed

Resolutions presented and carried at the 2021 Annual General Meeting