The Shadow
Richmond, VA (VR) – The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is accepting applications for its annual Beehive Distribution Program from Aug. 25 through Sept. 9, 2026. The program provides free beehive assembly equipment to Virginia residents, to help expand the number of actively managed honey bee colonies throughout the Commonwealth. Recipients of the equipment are selected at random from qualifying applications received during the application period.
Applicants and prospective beekeepers are strongly encouraged to take an introductory beekeeping course prior to starting a colony to ensure successful hive management. Recipients of beehive units must assemble the equipment and occupy it with a colony of honey bees within one year of receiving the equipment. VDACS does not provide honey bees or tools for managing the hives, such as personal safety equipment or honey processing equipment.
Only residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia, aged 18 years or older at the time of application, qualify for the random drawing. Entities such as businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies are not eligible to receive beehive units. Multiple individuals with the same mailing and/or physical address (household) may apply to the program; however, distribution of beehive units will be limited to no more than three beehive units per household or mailing address in the same fiscal year, July 1 to June 30.
“Honey bees are valued pollinators for our ecosystems and agricultural operations across the Commonwealth,” said State Apiarist Keith Tignor. “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 approximately 1,000 beehives to 400 or more individuals across the state each year. The program received more than 6,400 applications in 2025, and distributed 1,002 hives to 415 individuals. Individuals who receive beehive equipment have access to education programs, support, and technical skills sharing through Virginia Cooperative Extension and local beekeeping organizations across the state.
To learn more about the Beehive Distribution Program or to submit an application on or before Sept. 9, 2026, please visit the Virginia Beehive Distribution Program webpage. Individuals interested in applying to receive beehive units through the program should review the complete application instructions within the Guidelines and Requirements.
For more information about the Beehive Distribution Program, contact the VDACS Office of Plant Industry Services at (804) 786-8938 or email vabees@vdacs.virginia.gov.
