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An Official Vermont Government Website

Resources for Beekeepers

Beekeeping Best Management Practices

Beekeeping has a steep learning curve. Keeping bees alive and healthy takes dedicated time and effort. The Honey Bee Health Coalition's  Best Management Practices For Hive Health is a valuable resource for all beekeepers to help keep their bees healthy.   

American Foul Brood 

If you suspect American Foul Brood in one or more of your colonies, contact the State Apiculturist immediately at 802-272-6688. The Honey Bee Health Coalition's guide to Identifying and Mitigating Foulbrood in Honey Bee Colonies and Reducing the Use of Antibiotics is a useful resource for beekeepers.   

Honey Bee Diagnostics Labs  

  • USDA Bee Research Laboratory  - A free diagnostic service for bacterial, fungal, and microsporidian diseases as well as for two species of parasitic mites and other pests associated with honey bees. 
  • National Agricultural Genotyping Center - Fee-for-service PCR testing for honey bee pathogens, including Nosema, American Foul Brood, European Foul Brood, viruses, and more. 
  • Honey Bee Queen and Disease Clinic - Established as a natural extension service leveraging basic and field honey bee research at North Carolina State University, the clinic has worked to improve colony health for over 10 years. 
  • www.vermontbeelab.com - Free for Vermont beekeepers seeking Nosema and varroa mite counts. 

Honey Labeling Requirements 

Vermont Local Food Definition (PDF)

Labeling Guide (PDF) 

Honey Labels Must Contain the Following: 

  • Common Name
    • If the product contains only honey, the word “honey” must be included on the label.
    • It is not a requirement, but the name of a floral source may be used if it is the primary floral source for the honey.
    • An ingredient statement is not required if the only ingredient is honey.
    • If any other sweeteners are added to the honey, it may not be labeled as “honey”
    • If flavorings are added to the honey (eg. Cinnamon), this must be included on the label and in an ingredient statement.
  • Net Weight
    • Honey is measured by net weight.
    • The net weight (excluding packaging) in pounds/ounces and in metric weight (grams) must be included in easy-to-read type.
    • Example: Net Wt. 16 oz. (454 g)
  • Contact Information
    • The label must include the name and contact information of the beekeeper or business that put the product on the market.
    • At minimum, the contact information must include  name, town of business, and phone number.

    Identity and Net Quantity need to be on the Primary Display Panel of the label.

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