A. As used in this section, unless the context requires a different meaning:”Fund” means the Beehive Grant Fund established pursuant to § 3.2-4415.”Grant” means a grant issued pursuant to the Beehive Grant Program.”Individual” means a beekeeper registered with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

B. Beginning January 1, 2013, any individual who either purchases a new hive or purchases materials or supplies to construct a new hive may apply for a grant from the Fund. Such grant shall be in an amount equal to $ 200 per new hive, not to exceed $ 2,400 per individual per year.

C. An individual shall apply to the Department for a grant for purchase or construction of new hives. Grants shall be issued in the order that each completed eligible application is received. In the event that the amount of eligible grants requested in a fiscal year exceeds the funds available in the Fund, such grants shall be paid in the next fiscal year in which funds are available.

D. The Department shall develop guidelines setting forth the general requirements of qualifying for a grant.

E. The Department shall compile, maintain, and distribute electronically a Virginia Beekeeping Guide to provide information to beekeepers on beekeeping.

History

2012, cc. 412, 473.