Virginia Beehive Distribution Program holding beehive lottery

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Aspiring beekeepers can submit applications for the 2024 Virginia Beehive Distribution Program’s beehive lottery through early September.

Eligible Virginians interested in a chance to win free equipment for assembling new beehives can submit an application through Sept. 6, according to a press release from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS).

A random drawing will be conducted including all eligible applicants and the Virginians selected from that drawing will receive the equipment. According to VDACS, recipients will need to assemble the beehive themselves and fill it with a colony of honey bees within one year.

“VDACS does not provide honey bees or equipment for managing the hives, such as personal safety equipment or honey processing equipment,” VDACS said in the release.

In order to join the beehive lottery, you must be a Virginia resident aged 18 or older. According to VDACS, businesses, nonprofits and government agencies are not eligible.

Additionally, while multiple people with the same mailing and/or physical address can apply, there is a 3-beehive cap per household per fiscal year, which is July 1 to June 30.

For additional information on the Beehive Distribution Program and to apply, check out VDACS’ website .

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