Mid Ohio Valley Beekeepers' Association

WVBA's Letter

Reasons to belong to and support the West Virginia

 Beekeepers Association The Beekeeper Assistance Program benefits all registered beekeepers.  It came about because of efforts by beekeepers.  The appropriation has increased from $43,000 in 1997 to $70,000 due to intense lobbying efforts. 
 WVVBA continues its lobbying efforts to encourage and protect the industry and individual beekeepers. WVBA has an active Legislative and Agricultural Activities Committee.  Members provide a display at the Capitol on AG Day, talk with legislators and present each one with a WV honey-honey bear, WVBA delegations attend legislative hearings that involve beekeeping interests and meet with the Commissioner of Agriculture, presenting concerns of West Virginia beekeepers.
 In March 2002, the Honeybee was named the West Virginia State Insect.  The State Legislature recognized the potential of the honey industry in the state.  This project was initiated by a state beekeeper and supported by WVBA.
 The West Virginia Queen Project began in the fall of 2000 when the WVBA invested in breeder queens with a demonstrated resistance to tracheal mites.  WVBA has provided more than $2000 for the purchase, transport, and maintenance of breeder queens.  Presently 9 state beekeepers are monitoring 36 Queens for possible use as improved breeder Queens in the 2004 season.
 WVBA has actively supported the organization and setting up of the WV Honey Producers, Inc, a co-op of beekeepers helping beekeepers.  A USDA grant was obtained through efforts of George Clutter, State Apiarist.  The co-op, completely independent of WVBA, has begun selling bee supplies that are often below catalog prices.
 WVBA has maintained a presence at the annual West Virginia Honey Festival since 1992. The state association has an information booth, distributing brochures, listing local associations and fostering an interest in honey, honeybees, and beekeeping.
 The WVBA maintains membership in at least 3 regional associations.  These associations provide valuable contacts, speakers, and printed materials.---EAS (Eastern Apicultural Society), HAS (heartland Api9cultural Society), and MAAREC (Mid-Atlantic Apicultural Research and Extension Consortium)-Association with these 3 groups reflect WVBA’s intention to be on the cutting edge of improved beekeeping.
 Each spring and fall a WVBA Newsletter is mailed.  Besides the state meeting program, often critical information and news from around the state is included. In addition, WVBA sponsors a one-day spring meeting, held in different areas of the state and a two-day fall meeting, held at Cedar Lakes, Ripley, with a nationally known featured speaker.
 While no official WVBA Speakers Bureau exists, there are many state beekeepers who are knowledgeable and willing to speak at local groups or teach introductory beekeeping courses, and excellent way to grow local associations.

Gordon Mead, WVBA President            
20 Shady Lane Winfield, WV  25213  
304.562.3339

John Campbell, Secretary-Treasurer 
102 First Street Parsons, WV  26287
304.478.3675