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Ohio Department of Agriculture Apiary Program

Plant Health Division - Apiary Program

Honey bees have always played a vital role in agriculture and as such the department has overseen their inspection since House Bill 28 was approved on April 21, 1904. This 108 year history has evolved as agriculture has evolved and changed across the state. Honey bees not only provide honey but are a vital source of pollination for many of the fruit and vegetable crops grown in Ohio such as apples, melons, cucumbers, and pumpkins. They are also used to pollinate seed crops such as sunflower and canola.

The Apiary Program coordinates the state and county inspection services that help to ensure a healthy beekeeping industry. In 2012, 4377 beekeepers registered in accordance with Ohio Revised Code section 909.02 which represents 6,963 apiaries, and an estimated 37,161 colonies.

The Apiary Program works with several national groups and the USDA in providing samples for the study of Colony Collapse Disorder which caused massive colony deaths in various parts of the nation, including Ohio.

Honey Bee Image
2012 INSPECTION REPORT

REGISTRATIONS:
Registration Certificates Issued - 4,377
Apiaries Registered - 6,963
Estimated Colonies - 37,161


INSPECTIONS:
County Apiary Inspectors - 52
   Apiaries Inspected - 3,647
   Colonies Inspected - 16,646
   Colonies with American Foulbrood - 47
   Colonies with European Foulbrood - 27
   Colonies with Chalkbrood - 142
   Colonies with Nosema symptoms - 75
   Colonies with Varroa Mite - 5,889
   Colonies with Small Hive Beetle - 1,651
     
Ohio Department of Agriculture, 8995 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068