Welcome to the Richmond Beekeepers Association of Virginia online presence.

The number of beehives and beekeepers in Virginia is decreasing. In 1980 there were 90 - 98,000 hives in Virginia and today there are only approximately 30,000. Over the same period we've also seen a drop in the number of beekeepers from 3000 to around 2000.

Whether due to one of the many afflictions being suffered by bees causing a beekeeper to leave the art, or simply due to old age, there are fewer beekeepers each year. This is somewhat alarming in regards to the value honeybee pollination plays in Virginia agriculture. The honeybee's pollination activity makes possible 1 in 3 bites of food in the U.S. diet, and the direct positive impact to Virginia agriculture is approximately 80 million dollars each year. Their purpose is not only for the pollination of crops, but also for the pollination of wildflowers and tress that keep our environment greener.

In an effort to increase the number of local beekeepers, each year the Richmond Beekeepers Association will sponsor one young person who wishes to pursue the beekeeping hobby. The mentee must between the ages of 10 and 18 and write a letter of interest stating why they want to be a beekeeper. The parents of the applicant need to be members of our association. Applications must be received by September 1st. The award will be announced around the first of October.

More information regarding the requirements and an application to download will be available here soon.