{"id":3316,"date":"2022-03-22T15:09:18","date_gmt":"2022-03-22T15:09:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/agi.alabama.gov\/plantprotection\/?page_id=3316"},"modified":"2026-04-15T20:11:29","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T20:11:29","slug":"apiary-protection-unit","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/agi.alabama.gov\/plantprotection\/apiary-protection-unit\/","title":{"rendered":"Apiary Protection Unit"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pl-3316\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-3316-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div data-overlay-opactity=\"1\" class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-3316-0\" ><div id=\"pgc-3316-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-3316-0-0-0\" class=\"widget_text so-panel widget widget_custom_html panel-first-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><div align=\"left\"><h1 style=\"font-size:25px\">WELCOME<\/h1><\/div>\n<br><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-3316-0-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>An <strong>apiary<\/strong> is any location where honey bees are kept \u2014 whether it\u2019s a single backyard hive or a large-scale beekeeping operation. The term \u201capiary\u201d is often used interchangeably with \u201cbeekeeping,\u201d reflecting both the practice and the place where it happens.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI)<\/strong> proudly supports agricultural activities that strengthen and sustain our state\u2019s farming community. Because nearly <strong>one-third of the food we eat<\/strong> depends directly on insect pollination \u2014 and honey bees pollinate more than <strong>100 agricultural crops in the U.S.<\/strong> \u2014 beekeeping plays a vital role in our food supply and ecosystem health.<\/p>\n<p>Click <a href=\"https:\/\/agi.alabama.gov\/plantprotection\/beeks-selling-bees\/\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a> for AL beekeepers buying nucs, packages, or queens produced in AL.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Being a Good Neighbor in Beekeeping<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>While ADAI recognizes the importance of beekeeping, each beekeeper also shares responsibility for maintaining a <strong>positive public image<\/strong> of the practice. Responsible beekeepers are good neighbors who:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Provide <strong>adequate water sources<\/strong> for their bees.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Position hives carefully<\/strong> to minimize interaction or stings with nearby residents.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Respond promptly<\/strong> to neighbor concerns.<\/li>\n<li>Maintain only the <strong>number of hives<\/strong> their land can safely and sustainably support.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Before setting up hives, always check with your <strong>local zoning office or homeowners\u2019 association (HOA)<\/strong> to confirm that beekeeping is permitted and to learn whether limits exist on the number of hives allowed in your area.<\/p>\n<p>Registered beekeepers are also encouraged to stay in close contact with their <strong>state apiary inspectors<\/strong>. These inspectors are available <strong>anytime<\/strong> to assist with <strong>inspections, questions, or concerns<\/strong> related to hive health and management. They are an excellent resource for identifying diseases or pests, providing guidance on best practices, and ensuring your colonies stay strong and productive. Reaching out to your inspector helps protect your bees \u2014 and the wider beekeeping community \u2014 from preventable issues.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Understanding Alabama\u2019s Apiary Laws<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Beekeepers should be aware of Alabama\u2019s <strong><u><a href=\"https:\/\/agi.alabama.gov\/plantprotection\/the-importance-of-alabamas-no-comb-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">No Comb Law<\/a><\/u><\/strong>, which prohibits the importation of honey bees on comb \u2014 such as <strong>established colonies or nucleus colonies (Nucs)<\/strong> \u2014 into the state. However, it <strong>is legal<\/strong> to import <strong>packages or queens<\/strong>, provided they are accompanied by a <strong>valid health certificate<\/strong> from the originating state.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Protect Your Bees: Always Ask for a Health Certificate<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In Alabama, a valid bee <a href=\"https:\/\/agi.alabama.gov\/plantprotection\/protect-your-bees-always-ask-for-a-health-certificate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><u>health certificate<\/u><\/strong><\/a> ensures that colonies sold or moved are free from contagious diseases and pests, protecting both buyers and neighboring apiaries. This certification supports the state\u2019s disease control program, helping inspectors quickly trace and contain outbreaks. By requiring <a href=\"https:\/\/agi.alabama.gov\/plantprotection\/protect-your-bees-always-ask-for-a-health-certificate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><u>health certificate<\/u><\/strong><\/a>, we safeguard Alabama\u2019s honey bee population and maintain the reputation of our local beekeepers for selling healthy, quality bees.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Honey Sales and Food Safety<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The <strong>Food Safety Division<\/strong> of ADAI regulates the <strong>processing and sale of honey<\/strong> for food consumption. Under the <strong>Alabama Honey Law (2-11-20)<\/strong>, anyone collecting, processing, or selling honey or honey-based products must comply with state food safety standards.<\/p>\n<p>For complete guidance on honey production and sales, contact the <strong>Food Safety Division of the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries<\/strong> for the most current list of rules and regulations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-3316-0-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-features panel-last-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-features so-widget-sow-features-default-e271a18c020f-3316\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><ul\n\tclass=\"sow-features-list\n\tsow-features-responsive\">\n\n\t\t\t<li\n\t\t\tclass=\"sow-features-feature sow-icon-container-position-top\"\n\t\t\tstyle=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; width: calc(50% - 25px);\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-icon-container sow-container-rounded-square\"\n\t\t\t\tstyle=\"color: #c7e3a3; \"\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/agi.alabama.gov\/plantprotection\/why-registering-your-bees-benefits-alabama-beekeepers\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"sow-icon-fontawesome sow-far\" data-sow-icon=\"&#xf15c;\"\n\t\tstyle=\"font-size: 24px; color: #fff\" \n\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"sow-features-feature-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tApiary Registration\t\t\t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\n\t\t\t<li\n\t\t\tclass=\"sow-features-feature sow-icon-container-position-top\"\n\t\t\tstyle=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; width: calc(50% - 25px);\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-icon-container sow-container-rounded-square\"\n\t\t\t\tstyle=\"color: #c7e3a3; \"\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/agi.alabama.gov\/plantprotection\/removal-beekeepers\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"sow-icon-fontawesome sow-far\" data-sow-icon=\"&#xf15c;\"\n\t\tstyle=\"font-size: 24px; color: #fff\" \n\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"sow-features-feature-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRemoval Beekeepers\t\t\t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\n\t\t\t<li\n\t\t\tclass=\"sow-features-feature sow-icon-container-position-top\"\n\t\t\tstyle=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; width: calc(50% - 25px);\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-icon-container sow-container-rounded-square\"\n\t\t\t\tstyle=\"color: #c7e3a3; \"\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/agi.alabama.gov\/plantprotection\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/06\/chapter-14-of-title-2-code-of-alabama-1975-honeybees-apiaries.pdf\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"sow-icon-fontawesome sow-far\" data-sow-icon=\"&#xf15c;\"\n\t\tstyle=\"font-size: 24px; color: #fff\" \n\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"sow-features-feature-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRegulations (Archived)\t\t\t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\n\t\t\t<li\n\t\t\tclass=\"sow-features-feature sow-icon-container-position-top\"\n\t\t\tstyle=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; width: calc(50% - 25px);\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-icon-container sow-container-rounded-square\"\n\t\t\t\tstyle=\"color: #c7e3a3; \"\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/apiaryinspectors.org\/US-beekeeping-survey\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"sow-icon-fontawesome sow-far\" data-sow-icon=\"&#xf15c;\"\n\t\tstyle=\"font-size: 24px; color: #fff\" \n\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"sow-features-feature-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tColony Loss Survey\t\t\t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\n\t\t\t<li\n\t\t\tclass=\"sow-features-feature sow-icon-container-position-top\"\n\t\t\tstyle=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; width: calc(50% - 25px);\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-icon-container sow-container-rounded-square\"\n\t\t\t\tstyle=\"color: #c7e3a3; \"\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/agi.alabama.gov\/plantprotection\/apiary-inspector-map\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"sow-icon-fontawesome sow-far\" data-sow-icon=\"&#xf15c;\"\n\t\tstyle=\"font-size: 24px; color: #fff\" \n\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"sow-features-feature-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tApiary Inspector Map\t\t\t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\n\t\t\t<li\n\t\t\tclass=\"sow-features-feature sow-icon-container-position-top\"\n\t\t\tstyle=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; width: calc(50% - 25px);\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-icon-container sow-container-rounded-square\"\n\t\t\t\tstyle=\"color: #c7e3a3; \"\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/agi.alabama.gov\/plantprotection\/beeks-selling-bees\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"sow-icon-fontawesome sow-far\" data-sow-icon=\"&#xf15c;\"\n\t\tstyle=\"font-size: 24px; color: #fff\" \n\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"sow-features-feature-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAL Bees for Sale\t\t\t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\n\t\t\t<li\n\t\t\tclass=\"sow-features-feature sow-icon-container-position-top\"\n\t\t\tstyle=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; width: calc(50% - 25px);\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\t\t\t\tclass=\"sow-icon-container sow-container-rounded-square\"\n\t\t\t\tstyle=\"color: #c7e3a3; \"\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/agi.alabama.gov\/plantprotection\/yellow-legged-hornet\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"sow-icon-fontawesome sow-far\" data-sow-icon=\"&#xf15c;\"\n\t\tstyle=\"font-size: 24px; color: #fff\" \n\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"sow-features-feature-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tYellow Legged Hornet\t\t\t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\n\t<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-3316-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-3316-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-8b5b6f678277-3316\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/agi.alabama.gov\/plantprotection\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/06\/Apary_1.jpg\" width=\"488\" height=\"278\" srcset=\"https:\/\/agi.alabama.gov\/plantprotection\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/06\/Apary_1.jpg 488w, https:\/\/agi.alabama.gov\/plantprotection\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/06\/Apary_1-300x171.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 488px) 100vw, 488px\" title=\"Apiary_1\" alt=\"Beekeeper with hives\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-3316-0-1-1\" class=\"widget_text so-panel widget widget_custom_html\" data-index=\"4\" ><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><br><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-3316-0-1-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"5\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-3316-0-1-2\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Contacts<\/h3>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p><strong>Apiary Administrator - Daniele Spear<\/strong><br \/>\n(334) 240-7228<br \/>\n<a href=\"mailto:daniele.spear@agi.alabama.gov\">daniele.spear@agi.alabama.gov<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Apiary Inspector Supervisor - Brittaney Allen<\/strong><br \/>\nOffice: 334-240-7172 <br \/> or <br \/>Cell: 334-202-1781<br \/>\n<a href=\"mailto:Brittaney.Allen@agi.alabama.gov\">Brittaney.Allen@agi.alabama.gov<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Inspector - Phillip Carter<\/strong><br \/>\n(334) 414-1666<br \/>\n<a href=\"mailto:phillip.carter@agi.alabama.gov\">phillip.carter@agi.alabama.gov<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Inspector - Brandon Hargraves<\/strong><br \/>\n334-922-8996<br \/>\n<a href=\"mailto:Brandon.Hargraves@agi.alabama.gov\">Brandon.Hargraves@agi.alabama.gov<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Inspector - Billy Mullins<\/strong><br \/>\n334-922-8991<br \/>\n<a href=\"mailto:Billy.Mullins@agi.alabama.gov\">Billy.Mullins@agi.alabama.gov<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An apiary is any location where honey bees are kept \u2014 whether it\u2019s a single backyard hive or a large-scale [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/full-width.php","meta":{"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"folder":[],"class_list":["post-3316","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/agi.alabama.gov\/plantprotection\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3316","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/agi.alabama.gov\/plantprotection\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/agi.alabama.gov\/plantprotection\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/agi.alabama.gov\/plantprotection\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/agi.alabama.gov\/plantprotection\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3316"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/agi.alabama.gov\/plantprotection\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3316\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5450,"href":"https:\/\/agi.alabama.gov\/plantprotection\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3316\/revisions\/5450"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/agi.alabama.gov\/plantprotection\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3316"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/agi.alabama.gov\/plantprotection\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/folder?post=3316"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}