State's Beehive Distribution Program accepting applications next month
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Want to become a beekeeper? Virginia officials hope you will, and they're offering to help.
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services's 2019 Beehive Distribution Program – which provides as many as three beehive units to Virginians 18 or older – will begin accepting applications July 1. The 2019 General Assembly approved $125,000 for the program for the next fiscal year, which begins that day.
Anyone who receives equipment from VDACS will be registered as a beekeeper with the agency and is required to maintain the beehive(s) in Virginia.
VDACS will review applications in the order they are submitted to the Beehive Distribution online application and registration system. When funding for the program has been exhausted, VDACS will suspend accepting applications. Applications will not carry forward from the previous fiscal year.
“Since the introduction of exotic pests and diseases of the honey bee, the number of beehives in the state has decreased by half,” said State Apiarist Keith Tignor. “The Beehive Distribution Program will assist beekeepers, both current and those interested in beekeeping, in establishing new hives.”
To learn more about the Beehive Distribution Program or submit an application beginning July 1, visit http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services-beehive-distribution-program.shtml .
