BEEHIVE DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM

Applications for the Beehive Distribution Program (Program) are being accepted August 22 through September 6, 2024.

Only applications submitted (i) online or (ii) postmarked during the application period will be accepted. Any applications submitted online or postmarked before August 22 or after September 6, 2024, will not be accepted.

Applications that were submitted in previous years will not carry over to the current Program. In addition, 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 by printing, completing, and mailing in a “Paper Application“. Please scroll down this page to find the links for these application options. Individuals should provide a valid email address with their application as notifications regarding the status of an application will be sent by email. Information submitted as part of this application may be subject to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Completed paper applications must be mailed 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 qualifying applications. Beehive units are not awarded based on the order in which applications are received. It is not a first come, first serve program.

The Program provides equipment directly to eligible individuals for the construction of new beehives. Individual 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 (3) beehive units per fiscal year. Multiple individuals residing in the same household may submit an application, however no more than three (3) 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 (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. Instructions for applying to receive beehive units through the Program can be found in the Guidelines & Requirements.

Individuals receiving beehive units are encouraged to enter their apiary location in the BeeCheck mapping system.

Application

• Beehive Distribution Online Application (hyperlink) – activated during the application period (August 22, 2024, through September 6, 2024)
• Paper application (pdf) – accepted if posted marked during the application period

Information

• Beehive Distribution Program Guidelines & Requirements (pdf)
• Protecting Your Personal Information

Services & Resources

• BeeCheck: Communication tool for beekeepers and pesticide applicators.
• Virginia Pollinator: Resource for Virginians who need bees or have bees to rent for pollination.
• Apiary Inspection