USDA Expanding Beekeeper Safety Net

The USDA will be expanding a pilot program that offered a new safety net option for beekeepers called the Apiculture Insurance Plan.

Acting Administrator of USDA's Risk Management Agency Heather Manzano said it does not cover against colony collapse or disease.

“What this product does is it insures those beehives against a decline in precipitation. When there is a lack of precipitation that cause a shortage of the bees ability to produce honey that’s when the insurance would kick in and provide coverage.”

The program will now be available in the contiguous 48 states. The deadline to enroll for the 2018 crop year is November 15^th.