Honey Bee Health

Honey Bees in New York A Vital Component of New York Agriculture

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.

Keep Us Apprised of Your Bee's Health
Beekeeper Registration

The much-anticipated beekeeper registration page is live! This page should facilitate an easy, secure registration process for both new and experienced beekeepers. 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.

If you already have an NY.Gov account, click the “Register as a Beekeeper” button below to log into the beekeeper site with your NY.Gov credentials. If you are new to NY.Gov, you will need to create an account before registering at the link below.

For help creating or logging into your NY.Gov account, please reach out to the ITS Service Desk: 844-891-1786.
Register as a Beekeeper
Create a NY.Gov Account
A student holds part of a bee colony.

Invasive Species Protecting Against Invasive Species and Diseases

Moving Honey Bees Ensuring Proper Inspection and Care

The movement of bee colonies throughout the United States could potentially lead to problems in the bees' health if proper monitoring and inspection are not performed by the states that have apiary inspection programs. New York State regulations aim to monitor the movement of bees and ensure that bees are properly inspected and cared for. Honey bees that are transported into New York State are to be accompanied by a certificate or permit certifying freedom from disease executed by an official of the state the bees are coming from. Beekeepers moving bees out of New York may also be required to present a permit or certificate of health before entering another state. For more information please contact State Apiculturist Anne Mills at [email protected].

Pollinator Protection Plan Best Practices, Habitat Enhancement, and More

Resources
Get Connected With the Right Resources
Cornell University
Agriculture & Markets

Apiary Inspectors Connect With an Inspector

The Division of Plant Industry has seasonal apiary inspectors located across the state who conduct inspections of honey bee colonies. Inspections are conducted to detect and prevent the introduction and spread of contagious diseases and harmful invasive species in New York’s honey bee population. To inquire about apiary inspections, please contact the State Apiculturist, Anne Mills at [email protected] or (518) 457-2087 extension 3.