I support a more fair distribution and acceptance process that is based on random selection to include a fair distribution geographically within the State instead of first come first serve.

I support and strongly encourage this to be a one time grant

I encourage VDACS to require a letter of support with the application that verifies the applicant has taken a beekeeping class at a beekeeping club or through an online format via a University program.

I have been involved teaching beekeeping for over 10 years and part of the Virginia Beekeeping Teachers Consortium that educates hundreds of beekeeping students every year.  I am not in support of the way this program has been conducted up to now.  Giving free equipment out to people with no beekeeping instruction, and not working in  association with the existing beekeeping clubs in the State, in my humble opinion creates more problems in beekeeping.  Problems include spread of disease by uneducated beekeepers who do not know how to manage colonies- we have plenty of those in Virginia already, giving out free equipment with no instruction has only added to that problem.

If you want to keep this program, make the application process fair, geographically dispersed and require proof of some education in beekeeping.  Thank you  Karla Eisen, Eastern Apicultural Society (EAS) Master Beekeeper, EAS State Delgate for Virginia, Virginia State Beekeepers Northern Regional Representative.