SB 943
Clarifying apiaries are protected agricultural operations
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill clarifies that apiaries – locations where beehives are kept – are considered protected agricultural operations in West Virginia. The legislation highlights the importance of pollinators, particularly honeybees, to the state’s economy and food security. It emphasizes the positive economic impact of beekeeping and the need to support the private keeping and maintaining of honeybee colonies. The bill aims to strengthen protections for beekeeping activities.
Key provisions
- Designates apiaries as protected agricultural operations.
- Recognizes the critical importance of pollinators to West Virginia’s economy and agriculture.
- Affirms the economic impact of beekeeping on the state.
- States that private beekeeping is vital for maintaining pollinator populations.
- Directs the Commissioner of Agriculture to regulate beekeeping practices.
Who is affected
- Beekeepers
- Farmers
- Agricultural Producers
- West Virginia Residents
- Commissioner of Agriculture
Notable changes
- Explicitly defines apiaries as agricultural operations under existing code.
- Reinforces the importance of pollinators in agricultural practices.
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