Virginia Offers Beehive Distribution Program

According to a press release from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the 2022 Virginia Beehive Distribution Program is now open.  Applications will be accepted for the 2022 program through November 10.  The program provides free equipment for assembling up to three new beehives to Virginia residents.  Qualified applicants will be selected at random from all eligible applications submitted during the application period.

Individuals must be residents of Virginia and be 18 years of age or older at the time the application is submitted to be eligible to receive beehive units.  Multiple individuals with the same mailing and/or physical address may apply, but distribution of beehive units is limited to no more than three beehive units per household in the same fiscal year.

Recipients of the beehive units must assemble the equipment and occupy them with a colony of honey bees within one year of receiving the equipment.   The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services does not provide honey bees, honey processing equipment or equipment for managing the hives, such as personal safety equipment.

To learn more or to submit an application, visit the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website Beehive Distribution Program (virginia.gov)

If you have questions, call 804-786-3515 or email vabees@vdacs.virginia.gov