The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is rolling out beehives to people who want them in an effort to help pollinators procreate and spread further around the commonwealth. 

“It also provides new opportunities for people to raise bees, get honey,” David Gianino, program manager and office of plant industry services, said. “And, ultimately, for bees to pollinate around those new establishments.”

Paper applications are available upon request. A PDF of the application for submission by mail will be made available during the application period. Paper applications must be mailed to VDACS Office of Plant Industry Services, PO Box 1163, Richmond, Virginia, 23218. 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 those who were not selected to receive beehive units this year will not be carried forward to next 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 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. 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 honeybees 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.

You can apply from October 26 to November 10 at https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services-beehive-distribution-program.shtml.