The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has opened the application period for its 2025 Beehive Distribution Program, running from August 26 through September 10, 2025. The initiative offers free equipment to assemble new beehives to eligible residents in an effort to boost the number of managed honey bee colonies across Virginia.
Eligibility is limited to Virginia residents who are at least 18 years old at the time of application. Businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies are not permitted to apply. Households may submit multiple applications but will not receive more than three beehive units within a single fiscal year, which runs from July 1 to June 30.
Recipients are required to assemble their beehive equipment and establish a colony of honey bees within one year of receiving it. The program does not provide bees or other management equipment such as protective gear or honey processing tools.
“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 statewide among more than 400 individuals. In 2024 alone, over 5,300 applications were submitted for the program. Those selected can access support and technical guidance through VDACS as well as resources from Virginia Cooperative Extension and local beekeeping groups.
Interested applicants 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. Further information is available by contacting the VDACS Office of Plant Industry Services at 804-786-8938 or via email at vabees@vdacs.virginia.gov.
