Applications for the Beehive Distribution Program (Program) will only be accepted from August 28 through September 12, 2023.
Only applications submitted online or postmarked during the application period will be accepted. Any applications submitted online or postmarked before August 28 or after September 12, 2023, will not be accepted.
Applications that were submitted in previous years will not carry over to the current Program. Applications from previous years should not be resubmitted as the application may have changed and resubmitted applications may be incomplete. To qualify for beehive units, individuals must submit a new application using the Beehive Distribution Online Registration or mail a Paper Application to:
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Office of Plant Industry Services
ATTN: Beehive Distribution Program
PO Box 1163,
Richmond, Virginia, 23218
Recipients of beehive units will be selected at random from accepted applications. Beehive units are not awarded based on the order in which applications are received.
Individuals should provide a valid email address with their application as notifications regarding the status of an application will be sent by email.
The Program provides equipment directly to eligible individuals for the construction of new beehives. Residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia who are 18 years of age or older at the time an application is submitted are eligible to receive no more than three beehive units per fiscal year. Multiple individuals residing in the same household may submit an application, however no more than three beehive units per household will be distributed. Individuals are not eligible to receive beehive units in consecutive years until all applications from individuals that did not receive units in the previous year are processed.
Individuals who submit an application for a beehive unit through the Program will be registered as a beekeeper with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Beehive equipment received through the Program must be assembled and occupied with a colony of honey bees within one year of receiving the equipment. Honey bees and equipment to manage beehives, such as personal safety equipment and honey processing equipment, are not provided through the Program. For additional Program information, please visit Guidelines & Requirements.
Individuals receiving beehive units are encouraged to enter their apiary location in the BeeCheck mapping system.
Contact
Keith Tignor
State Apiarist
804.786.3515
VABees@vdacs.virginia.gov
Click here for Office of Plant Industry Services contact information.