07/15/2025
OSBA will be holding a public Zoom conference call on Sunday, July 27th at 6:00 pm. You must register for this event; everyone will have the opportunity to speak, and we will try to answer every question with the information we have collected. If you would like to submit questions beforehand, send them to [email protected]
Before the conference call, please take time to read sections 909.01 to 909.18, which are located on pages 591, 592, 593, and the very top of 594. For the full-length PDF version, https://search-prod.lis.state.oh.us/api/v2/general_assembly_136/legislation/hb96/07_EN/pdf/
Statement Attributed to Director Brian Baldridge, Ohio Department of Agriculture:
The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) would like to share important, upcoming adjustments to its Apiary Program that will help streamline our regulatory responsibilities while continuing to support Ohio’s beekeeping community and protect pollinator health.
ODA’s Apiary Program will remain a state-led and county-driven effort. ODA will continue to provide oversight of the apiary inspection program, registrations, and queen certification.
Important Updates for Ohio Beekeepers
Elimination of the $5 apiary registration fee.
Beekeepers are still required by law to register their apiaries with ODA.
A new apiary registration system allows beekeepers to register their hives easily online. Paper applications will still be available upon request.
Starting in 2026, ODA will begin charging a $50 annual fee for the certification of a beekeeper rearing queens for sale and distribution. Beekeepers raising queen bees will only pay $50, regardless of the number of sites under their control.
Please visit ODA’s Apiary Program website to stay up to date with the latest information. As always, please do not hesitate to contact our team with any questions.
