Did you know what’s good for bees, butterflies and other pollinators can also be good for your bottom line? Through a variety of USDA conservation programs, farmers and ranchers can manage for top-notch pollinator habitat while also improving their operations.
Bees Alert!
'Bee' on the lookout for bees!
Bee in the Know - Assistance for Honey Producers
USDA has programs to help honey producers every step of the way — from plants to the final product. We have programs to help protect and conserve habitat, protect your investments and recover from disasters impacting your operation.
Farmers Can 'Bee' a Friend to Pollinators
Honey bees and native bees are estimated to support $18 to $27 billion in crop yields each year in the United States. Pollinators play a key role in healthy agricultural landscapes, helping private landowners increase and improve the quality of their crop yields and the health and vigor of their landscape – which can lead to higher profits.
Read the Blog Post: Farmers Can 'Bee' a Friend to Pollinators
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP)
ELAP, administered by USDA's Farm Service Agency, offers financial aid to producers who suffer losses from specific adverse conditions not covered by other USDA disaster assistance programs.
Fridays on the Farm: The Business of Beekeeping
The Nesters’ journey took root in 2011, starting out small and learning more as they went. Since then, they have expanded from just two hives to anywhere between 50 to 100 hives, depending on the year as dictated by weather and other environmental conditions.
Now, with the help of their employees, they’ve turned a hobby into a fulltime apiary that sells local, raw honey, and beeswax skincare products. They’ve also opened a winery to sell honey mead and an event center that hosts everything from workshops to weddings.
And they’ve started a restaurant, complete with a spacious patio and venue overlooking their pollinator garden, grassy meadow, and pastureland beyond.
USDA programs to help honey producers
Farmers can 'Bee' a friend to bees.
Find Your Local Service Center
USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Select your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices.
Looking for something else?
- Use the FSA Office Locator to book an appointment or contact your local FSA Farm Loan or Farm Program office.
- Learn more about Urban Service Centers.
- Find an NRCS Conservation District Partners location.
- Visit the Risk Management Agency website to find a regional or compliance office or an insurance agent near you.
Farm Loan Assistance Tool
Check your eligibility for FSA loans, discover the various FSA loan products, learn about documentation requirements, and follow easy-to-understand instructions when completing the loan application forms.