Apiary Inspection Program
Brooke Decker serves as the state Apiculturist and Pollinator Health Specialist.
She can be reached at Brooke.Decker@vermont.gov or 802-272-6688.
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets' Apiary Inspection Program works to ensure that Vermont beekeepers comply with the Vermont Apiary Law.
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Apiary Registration
As required by Vermont Statute, Title 6, Chapter 172,
§ 3022 & 3023. A person who is the owner of any bees, apiary, colony, or hive in the State shall register with the Secretary in writing on a form provided by the Secretary...and shall pay a $10.00 annual registration fee for each apiary location.
Registration for Apiaries starts on July 1st of each year. Renewal period is open from June 1st through June 30th each year.
Apiary Health Certificate
As required by Vermont Statute § 3028. Traffic in bees; inspection; certification.
A person engaged in the rearing of bees for sale shall have his or her apiary inspected by the Secretary
If you intend to sell bees, please schedule an inspection with the state Apiculturist, at minimum 2 weeks prior to intended sale of bees.
Apiary Inspection-
If you suspect a presence of a honey bee disease, a potential pesticide kill, want to schedule a routine inspection, have questions regarding mite mitigation, or anything in between, please contact the state Apiculturist
We are here to help you - whether it's your first year beekeeping or you are a commerical beekeeper with years of beekeeping experience.
Importing Honey Bees and used beekeeping equipment into Vermont
Beekeepers bringing honey bees and/ or used beekeeping equipment into Vermont from out-of-state are required to first fill out the Indended Hive Importation Form, a minimum of 14 days prior to intended import into Vermont. Beekeepers will be provided with an Import Permit, after the application has been reviewed and a valid Health certificate from the state of origin is provided.
Apiary Program
The duties of the apiary inspector emphasize technical assistance and education as well as the regulatory component. Specific activities performed by this inspector include:
- Provide technical assistance to beekeepers to maintain healthy, productive hives.
- Inspect bee hives for the presence of diseases and pests.
- Coordinate sellers and buyers of honey, bees wax, bees and other hive products.
- Work with apiculture officials in other states and at the Federal level on honey bee related issues.
- Issue Health Certificates to beekeepers moving bees out of state, as needed.
- Present talks to beekeepers, schools, and civic groups about honey bees and pollinator related subjects.
