The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced that the Beehive Distribution Program is now closed for the year due to the extraordinary number of applications received by VDACS.
“The Beehive Distribution Program generated overwhelming interest from Virginia’s citizens,” said Commissioner Jewel Bronaugh. “We have received nearly 2,700 applications since the opening of the application period on July 1. Based on the number of applications received to date, we anticipate that the cost of the equipment to fulfill the current applications will exceed available funding for the program.”
VDACS currently is reviewing applications and those applicants who will receive beehive equipment will be notified this. Once all funds have been exhausted and beehive equipment distributed, VDACS will also notify those individuals who submitted an application but did not receive beehive equipment.
The Beehive Distribution Program resulted from action by the 2018 General Assembly and provided funding for the hive units. The legislation provided equipment directly for up to three beehives per eligible individual. VDACS will register all individuals who receive a beehive unit, allowing for periodic inspection of beehives by the agency.
“I am thrilled at the overwhelming response to the program,” said Commissioner Bronaugh, “and sincerely hope that it helps increase our populations of these vital pollinators.”
To learn more about the Beehive Distribution Program, go to the VDACS website and search for “beehive distribution program.”
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