If you’re interested in making some extra cash in 2013, consider becoming a beekeeper.
On January 1, 2013, anyone who purchases a new beehive or materials to build a new one can apply for a grant.
The money comes from a fund created by the General Assembly. It was set up to promote the establishment of new beehives in Virginia.
Bee experts say similar grants in the past have been aimed at tackling problems in the bee population like colony collapse disorder, a phenomenon in which worker bees from a beehive or European honey bee colony abruptly disappear. Experts say pollination impacts one-third of everything we eat, so keeping more bees around helps ease the sting of CCD.
The grant money would cover $200 for each new hive. A beekeeper cannot exceed $2,400 per year in grants.
The legislature has allotted $125,000 for fiscal year 2013 and another $125,000 for the following fiscal year to go toward beehive grants.
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services have set up guidelines regarding the grant fund. To access the online application to apply for grant money, visit the website here: http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/.
