Federal Aid Available for Winter Storm-Hit Honeybee Producers

Winter storms can inflict significant damage on honeybee producers, but there is potential relief through the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP). ELAP, a federal initiative, offers financial assistance to eligible producers facing losses caused by specific weather events, including winter storms. 

What is ELAP? ELAP is a federal program designed to provide financial aid to eligible producers experiencing losses due to adverse weather conditions, such as blizzards. 

What losses are covered? ELAP can assist beekeepers in covering expenses related to: 

• Honeybee Feed: Producers may be eligible for reimbursement if their honeybee feed was damaged by a winter storm. 
• Colony Losses: Compensation is available for honeybee colony losses exceeding the set baseline for normal colony mortality. 
• Hive Losses: Producers may be eligible for reimbursement if their hives were damaged or destroyed by a winter storm. 

Who is eligible? To qualify for ELAP, producers must: 

• Be a producer with an interest and risk in honeybee colonies used for commercial purposes. 
• Have suffered honeybee losses in a county affected by an eligible adverse weather event, such as a winter storm. 
• Meet other program requirements, including filing a notice of loss with the local FSA office. 

How much assistance can I receive? The amount of assistance depends on the type and extent of losses: 

• Colony Losses: Payments are based on the average fair market value of colonies, set at $125 per colony for the 2023 program year. 
• Hive Losses: Payments are based on the average fair market value of hives, set at $220 per hive for the 2023 program year. 
• Feed Losses: Producers may be reimbursed for up to 60% of the cost of purchased or harvested feed damaged due to the storm. 

Important Updates: 

• There are new changes to the ELAP program for 2024. Contact the local USDA-FSA office for the latest information. 
• Find your local USDA-FSA office using this link: USDA Service Center Locator.
• Contact your local county extension office for assistance.

For more information: Read the USDA-FSA ELAP Honeybee Assistance fact sheet: ELAP Honeybee Assistance Fact Sheet

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