VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

Applications for the Beehive Distribution Program (Program) will be accepted August 28, 2023, through September 12, 2023. When the application period opens on August 28, a link to the online application will be made available at https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services-beehive-distribution-program.shtml. A PDF of the application for submission by mail will be made available during the application period. Applications received online or postmarked during the application period will be accepted for consideration.

Recipients of beehive units will be selected at random from qualifying applications. Individuals are encouraged to provide a valid email address with their application since notifications regarding the status of an application will be sent by email. Applications from individuals who were not selected to receive beehive units last year, will not be carried forward to this year’s Program.

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 up to three (3) beehive units per year. Individuals in the same household are not be eligible to receive beehive units in consecutive years until all applications from individuals that did not receive units in the previous year are processed. No more than three (3) beehive units may be distributed per household. 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 (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.

 Additional links and information on VDAC's Beekeeping and Apiary resources can be found here.