Apiary Program Information |
Effective July 1, 2006, the annual apiary registration requirement and fee was discontinued. This discontinuation of the registration requirement is the result of the repeal of the Apiary Statute Chapter 19. However, recognizing that a number of beekeepers transport bees to other states during the winter months and that destination states sometimes require an inspection or certification of those bee colonies, new language, found in 2006 Minnesota Laws, chapter 265, section 1 (to be codified as Minnesota Statute section 17.445, 2006), was drafted that authorizes the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) to provide apiary inspection services for a fee.
The MDA recognizes and appreciates that the apiary industry is an important component of Minnesota agriculture and, as such, we will continue to do our best to support the needs and activities of the industry. However, with this legislative change, our formal role or responsibility in the apiary industry is significantly reduced. Please be aware that despite this reduced "apiary inspection" role, that the MDA still retains full authority to regulate pesticides and as such will continue to investigate reports of pesticide misuse or misapplication and take appropriate regulatory action. Pesticide regulations are administered by the Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division (PFM). PFM will continue to utilize an apiary inspector in conjunction with pesticide investigations when conducting apiary-related investigations. Contact PFM at 651-201-6055 to report possible pesticide misuse or call 651-201-6292 for pesticide registration information.
MDA Contact
Blane White
651-201-6578
blane.white@state.mn.us
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