Most people, when they think of bees, think of honey, the sweetest gift from the honey bee. Most people never think of how bees pollinate our crops, directly affecting Virginia agriculture. Approximately 1/3 of all our food requires pollinating by bees or other pollinators.

Some important fruit and vegetable crops which require honey bee pollination include apples, blueberries, strawberries, cantaloupes, squash, and watermelons. The yield on these crops would be severely diminished without the honey bee.

The populations of native bees has been in decline for several decades due to environmental stress and various pests. Hobby beekeepers can be an important factor in rebuilding populations and encouraging species health and diversity.

Although most honey bees are kept in rural settings, beehives are often seen in suburban backyards, cities, and even on rooftops. Many home gardeners keep a few hives to pollinate their fruits trees, vegetable and flower gardens.