RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia residents interested in beekeeping can now apply to receive free beehive equipment through the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Applications for the agency’s annual Beehive Distribution Program are being accepted through Sept. 9, 2026. The program is intended to increase the number of actively managed honey bee colonies across Virginia.
Recipients are selected at random from qualifying applications.
Applicants must be Virginia residents and at least 18 years old. Businesses, nonprofit organizations and government agencies are not eligible.
Multiple people from the same household may apply, but no more than three beehive units may be distributed to the same household or mailing address during a single fiscal year.
VDACS said recipients receive beehive assembly equipment, not bees. Participants are responsible for assembling the equipment and placing a honey bee colony in it within one year.
The program also does not provide protective clothing, beekeeping tools or honey-processing equipment.
State officials are strongly encouraging prospective beekeepers to take an introductory beekeeping course before starting a colony.
“Honey bees are valued pollinators for our ecosystems and agricultural operations across the Commonwealth,” State Apiarist Keith Tignor said. “The Beehive Distribution Program provides residents with an engaging way to participate in increasing the number of pollinators and enhancing the quality of our environment for present and future generations.”
VDACS distributes about 1,000 beehives to 400 or more people across Virginia each year.
In 2025, the department received more than 6,400 applications and distributed 1,002 hives to 415 people.
Recipients can also access educational programs and technical assistance through Virginia Cooperative Extension and local beekeeping organizations.
Applications and program requirements are available through the Virginia Beehive Distribution Program webpage. More information is also available from the VDACS Office of Plant Industry Services at 804-786-8938 or [email protected]
Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.
