

Honey bees play a vital role in New York State's agriculture economy. Each year, thousands of bee colonies are used throughout the state to pollinate more than $300 million worth of agricultural crops such as apples, grapes, and pumpkins. New York is home to more than 60,000 of the bee colonies used each year, while additional colonies are shipped in from other regions of the country to make up the remainder. The Department inspects bee colonies and monitors their movement to ensure that the state is protected from potential problems in its honey bee population.
Honey bee health is a critical issue today. The Department’s Division of Plant Industry strives to assist beekeepers in maintaining their colonies in a healthy condition. Through inspection, certification, education, and outreach to beekeepers, the Division works to ensure the health of honey bees.
As of December 23, 2021, all beekeepers in New York State are required to register with the Department and to renew their registration annually. Beekeepers must also indicate if they intend to sell nucleus (nucs) colonies.
Please click the link below to get registered. For more information please contact State Apiculturist Anne Mills at [email protected].
Disclaimer: Registrants that opt into the Swarm Catcher Registry for their county will have their name, phone number, email, business name, and business phone number listed on our publicly available Swarm Catcher List.
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