The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has opened the application period for its 2025 Beehive Distribution Program. From August 26 through September 10, Virginia residents can apply to receive free equipment for assembling new beehives. The initiative aims to boost the number of managed honey bee colonies across the state.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and reside in Virginia. Businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies are not eligible. Households may submit multiple applications, but no more than three beehive units will be distributed per household within a fiscal year, which runs from July 1 to June 30.
Recipients are required to assemble the equipment and introduce a colony of honey bees within one year. The program does not supply bees or management tools such as safety gear or honey processing equipment.
“The Beehive Distribution Program provides beehives for increasing our pollinator population,” said State Apiarist Keith Tignor. “Those pollinators go out to our farms, our forests, our meadows, and our wetlands, to pollinate plants and help them to reproduce, to increase the abundance of agricultural crops and to enhance the beauty, diversity, and the quality of our environment.”
Each year VDACS distributes about 1,000 beehives to over 400 individuals statewide. In 2024, more than 5,300 applications were submitted for the program. Recipients have access to support services from VDACS as well as technical guidance from Virginia Cooperative Extension and local beekeeping groups.
Interested individuals can find details about eligibility requirements and submit their applications by visiting www.vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services-beehive-distribution-program.shtml before September 10.
For further information on the program or application process, contact VDACS Office of Plant Industry Services at 804.786.8938 or email vabees@vdacs.virginia.gov.
