Bees/Honey FAQ
Where can I learn about beekeeping?
Information is available through the Massachusetts Beekeeping Associations and eXtension.
Do I need a permit to keep bees in Massachusetts?
At this time, a permit is not required, although you must register your hive with the Department of Agricultural Resources so it can be inspected annually. Contact information here.
Legal statutes affecting beekeeping/honey are available on the Department of Agricultural Resources webpage. Click laws in right column.
Can I move my bees to another state?
Not without an inspection to make sure they are free from disease. The Chief Apiary Inspector must be notified at least sixty (60) days in advance. Contact information can be found on the Mass Gov bee FAQ webpage.
Is notification required for bringing bees into Massachusetts?
Yes, the Chief Apiary Inspector must be notified at least 48 hours in advance and an inspection is required. Contact information can be found on the Mass Gov bee FAQ webpage.
Where can I learn about beekeeping requirements?
Through the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources.
Legal statutes affecting beekeeping/honey are available under laws on the Department of Agricultural Resources webpage.
Where can I attend classes on beekeeping?
Many of the county beekeeping associations have regular workshops and some such as Barnstable and Bristol Counties offer bee schools.
Are there any regulations regarding selling honey in Massachusetts?
Yes. Information on labeling and selling honey is available from the Department of Agricultural Resources.
Legal statutes affecting beekeeping/honey are available under laws (listed on right) on the Department of Agricultural Resources webpage.
Food operations which sell only fresh fruits and vegetables are exempt from licensure by Local Boards of Health (LBOH). LBOH may also exempt other agricultural products (such as farm fresh eggs, unprocessed honey and maple syrup) traditionally sold at farmers' markets. A food establishment permit issued by the LBOH is required for any operation selling processed foods or foods other than fresh fruit or produce.
For more information, contact your Local Board of Health and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Division of Food and Drug at 617-983-6712.
For more information on selling at farmers markets in Massachusetts, visit MDAR Farmers Market website
also see Mass. Dept. of Public Health Food Protection Program Policies, Procedures and Guidelines for Farmers Markets
What permits are needed to sell honey at a farmers market?
Farmers who sell fruits, vegetables or other farm products raised or produced by him/herself or his/her family are exempt from needing a hawkers or peddlers license from local cities and towns.
Also, food operations which sell only fresh fruits and vegetables are exempt from licensure by Local Boards of Health (LBOH). LBOH may also exempt other agricultural products (such as farm fresh eggs, unprocessed honey and maple syrup) traditionally sold at farmers' markets. A food establishment permit issued by the LBOH is required for any operation selling processed foods or foods other than fresh fruit or produce. When permits for processed foods are necessary, one permit may be issued to the farmers' market group if only non-potentially hazardous foods are vended (i.e. baked goods, candy, jams and jellies).
For information on labeling and selling requirements.
For more information, contact your Local Board of Health and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Division of Food and Drug at 617-983-6712.
For more information on selling at farmers markets in Massachusetts, see Farmers' Market Resources.
Why is it recommended to avoid giving honey to young children?
Honey can contain the botulism bacteria and can be a problem for children under 1 year of age. Children under 1 year of age should not be fed honey.
Where can I have honey bees diagnosed for disease and mites.
United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (USDA) offers bee disease diagnosis service for beekeepers across the U.S.
Samples received of adult bees and beeswax comb (with and without bee brood) are examined for bacterial, fungal and microsporidian diseases as well as for two species of parasitic mites and other pests associated with honey bees (i.e., small hive beetle, Aethina tumida).
When requested, American foulbrood samples are cultured and isolates are screened for their sensitivity to Terramycin (oxytetracycline) and Tylan (tylosin).
There is no charge for this service.
They do not analyze samples (bees, wax comb, pollen, etc.) for the presence of viruses or pesticide residue.
For details and how to submit samples, see: USDA Bee Disease Diagnosis Service
