Funding for the FY 2025 Beehive Distribution Program has been approved by the General Assembly. Applications for the Beehive Distribution Program (Program) will be accepted August 22 through September 6, 2024. When the application period opens on August 22, a link to the online application will be made available on this webpage. No link will be provided until August 22. A PDF of the application for submission by mail will be made available during the application period. Only applications received online or postmarked during the application period will be accepted for consideration. Information submitted on the application may be subject to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
Recipients of beehive units will be selected at random from qualifying applications. Individuals need to provide a valid email address with their application since notifications regarding the status of an application will be sent by email. Applications submitted in a prior year, will not be carried forward to this year's Program. Individuals must submit an application during the application period to be considered for the random selection.
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 may apply for no more than three (3) beehive units per fiscal year. No more than three (3) beehive units may be distributed per household. Individuals in the same household 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 apply 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 (1) 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. Individuals interested in applying to receive beehive units through the Program should review the Guidelines & Requirements which provides application instructions.
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.
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