WHEREAS, honeybees were introduced to North America by the Virginia Company of London, with beehives departing England in 1621 and arriving at the Jamestown settlement in March 1622; and

 

WHEREAS, Virginia's commercial beekeepers harvested honey from 5,000 colonies which yielded an average of approximately 39 pounds per colony, with a total production that was valued at more than $1.85 million in 2024; and

 

WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services distributed 1,002 beehive units to 415 Virginia residents through the Beehive Distribution Program in fiscal year 2025 to help beekeepers establish new hives; and

 

WHEREAS, a hive of bees may collectively travel up to 55,000 miles and visit as many as two million flowers to gather enough nectar to make one pound of honey; and

 

WHEREAS, honey contains natural antioxidants, minerals, and enzymes and has long been valued for its various uses, including supporting wound care, digestive health, and as a natural cough remedy; and

 

WHEREAS, honey is used in a variety of culinary applications, with Virginia's Finest companies incorporating spices, herbs, and other ingredients to create unique products, including meads, candies, condiments, sauces, and more; and

 

WHEREAS, the European honeybee was named the official Virginia state pollinator in 2024 by the Virginia General Assembly; and

 

WHEREAS, much of Virginia's honey harvest occurs during September, and Virginia Honey Month provides an opportunity to recognize the value of honey and honor the dedication of beekeepers who help sustain this important agricultural resource.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize September 2026 as VIRGINIA HONEY MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.