Veteran sought for beekeeping opportunity

Delaware veterans interested in beekeeping can apply to be part of the Planting Hope Apiary project, the Delaware Department of Agriculture announced.

One veteran will be selected to receive training and mentoring, beehive materials, protective gear and bees to help establish bee hives. Extraction and honey bottling equipment will be arranged, with the veteran to be responsible for other materials and supplies. The hives will be located at Blackbird State Forest near Townsend.

"This project is a unique way to thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice," said Faith Kuehn, DDA's Plant Industries administrator and Planting Hope project manager. "Bees have countless benefits and hold a lot of fascination for many of us, and we want to help lower the barrier to getting people involved."

Applications from veterans of all branches of the armed forces, including Guard and Reserves veterans, will be accepted through Saturday, Dec. 23. Interested veterans can submit a one-page summary detailing their interest in beekeeping and their thoughts about developing a pollination and bee products business, as well as three references and contact information. Material should be submitted to Faith Kuehn at the Delaware Department of Agriculture, 2320 South DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901; or by email at faith.kuehn@state.de.us.

The veteran will be selected by a panel including members of the Delaware Beekeepers Association, Department of Agriculture employees and Planting Hope Apiary participants.