Free beehives for Virginia residents

I ran across this article in my facebook feed, and thought maybe some permies could make use of this program: Virginia residents can get free beehives

Backyard beekeepers can apply for hives through the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services on July 1. The General Assembly approved $125,000 for the Beehive Distribution Program that provides free beehive equipment to Virginia residents. Anyone age 18 or older can apply to receive up to three beehives. Recipients will be registered as beekeepers with VDACS and are required to maintain the hives in Virginia.

Link to the program: http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services-beehive-distribution-program.shtml

I did it! Got 3 new hives! Woot!!!

This is totally rad! I hope North Carolina has or will create a program such as this.

Like so many things, this program has been impacted by COVID-19.  Here is the official word:

COVID-19 has created budget uncertainties for the 2020-21 fiscal year (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021) and as a result, the Beehive Distribution Program will be deferred until adjustments to the state budget are determined. Beehive Distribution Program applications will not be accepted at this time. As information on the status of the Beehive Distribution Program becomes available, updates will be provided on this website and through the Agency’s social media.

Hopefully, this program will be up and running again next year.