What is the Piedmont Beekeepers’ Association?

• A non-profit organization that provides a forum for the exchange of ideas, presents demonstrations, and sponsors programs to spread the word about the honeybee.

• Conducts beginner classes on practical beekeeping.

• Works with community associations and the public to remove and re-hive honeybee colonies.

Why do we need more beekeepers?

Most people, when they think of bees, think of honey, a sweet gift from the honeybee. 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 honeybee pollination include apples, strawberries, melons, squash, and beans. The yield on these crops would be severely diminished without the honeybee.

The populations of native bees have 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 honeybees 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.