Beekeeping for Honey

Ensuring Honey Bee Health
honey bees on a honeycomb

Honey Beekeeping is becoming increasingly popular. Unfortunately, honey bee health in the country and in Massachusetts is in decline and there is a high annual loss of colonies. Most of the agriculture in the Commonwealth and our local food supply relies on honey bee for pollination. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) has developed an Apiary Program to offer guidance and assistance to beekeepers. 

If you currently have bees or are considering bee keeping, visit the MDAR Apriary Program page. There you can find information on best practices, how to get listed as a Local Honey Producer, rules and regulations, request a hive inspection, etc.  You can get started by viewing the Apiary Program brochure or visiting the State Apiary in Amherst.