Contacts:
Steve Parise, Agency of Agriculture, (802) 828-2436
Kim Greenwood

Monday, September 28, 2009

With the decline in wild honey bee colonies and native pollinators, as well as the continued Challenges faced by established beekeepers such as parasitic mites and diseases, it is important that populations of honey bees be maintained at a local level to meet the pollination needs of farmers, fruit and vegetable growers as well as home gardeners.

In an effort to off-set this decline, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets is pleased to announce the availability of USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant funds totaling $8000 for beginning beekeepers to establish one or two colonies of honey bees. A 50/50 match is required and a maximum reimbursement of $200 is available for one colony or $400 for two.

Applicants must provide proof of purchase for equipment and bees. Funds are limited and will be disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis to those who qualify. Other restrictions apply in regards to eligibility, workshop attendance and recordkeeping.

This grant program is administered through the Vermont Beekeepers Association. Deadline for applications is December 1, 2009. For additional information, contact Kim Greenwood: kimgreenwood@gmavt.net; or Steve Parise, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets: steve.parise@state.vt.us; 802-828-2436.

Applications are available on-line at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture website: www.vermontagriculture.com or the Vermont Beekeepers Association website: www.vtbeekeepers.org.