Zac Wellman
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Apiary Program’s mission is “To protect honey bees in order to maintain a viable honey bee population for the purpose of pollination in Arkansas.”
This mission is accomplished by (1) administering laws and regulations to minimize and slow the spread and negative effects of honey bee diseases, harmful pests, and unwanted species, and (2) educating beekeepers in modern apicultural techniques, as well as informing the citizens of Arkansas of the importance of honey bees.
The program consists of two regional apiary inspectors and a Program Manager. Anyone selling, moving, or transferring the ownership of bees must be inspected and issued a health certificate. Arkansas has mandatory registration. There are currently 3,410 active beekeepers with 5,851 active yards and approximately 48,590 colonies in Arkansas.
The majority of beekeepers are found in Central and Northwest Arkansas and are primarily small-scale and sideliners. There are about eight or nine commercial beekeepers that leave the state each year to fulfill pollination contracts in other states. Along with providing regulatory services, the Apiary Program also provides educational outreach opportunities for beekeepers and the citizens of Arkansas. Festivals, schools, and bee clubs are just some of the functions where you can catch our inspectors giving a talk or demonstration.
Most years there is a great Spring honey flow and in the Summer months, mainly July and August, when pollen is scarce, cultivated soybeans and cotton can provide much needed nutrition. In Arkansas, honey is considered a farm product, and is exempt from sales tax when sold direct-from-farm (this may include an urban beekeeper’s home). A farmer’s market or roadside stand is also considered an extension of direct-from-farm sales. This pertains to wax and other bee produced products well.
