Beekeeping Virginia

Since their introduction during the early 1600s, honey bees are a vital part of farming in North America. Creation of honey is the most extensively viewed benefit of honey bees. However, their worth as pollinators far surpasses honey manufacturing.

The Virginia Bee Laws approve an apiary inspection program which promotes the technology of beekeeping, also regulates the activity of honey bees to the state together with sale of bees, queens and made use of bee equipment. The Virginia Bee Law needs that honey bees on combs, hives and gear with combs needs to be followed by a certificate of wellness granted by the workplace of Plant Industry providers prior to being sold in Virginia. Also, anybody who brings honey bees on combs or utilized gear with comb into the Commonwealth must very first obtain an Entry Permit from Virginia’s State Apiarist. Queens and packaged honey bees brought into the Commonwealth must certanly be followed closely by a certificate of wellness granted because of the state of origin.

For interstate motion of colonies, Virginia utilizes a consistent evaluation certificate. Virginia also participates in Mid-Atlantic shows Agreement, which specifies assessment needs for bee diseases and pests.

Office of Plant Industry Services staff members regularly give presentations, participate in demonstrations and conduct programs to teach the general public about the importance of honey bees, beekeeping techniques and pollination.