Beehive Buzz: Apiary Insurance

Logo of the American Beekeeping Federation.

Justin, a beekeeper from Anacoco sent in a question, “[ I have] One question. I just tried to set up Bee Yard at a guy’s property, but he is wanting proof of insurance in case somebody gets stung. Is there such a thing?” AHA found some information about apiary insurance from the American Beekeeping Federation (ABF). The ABF advises that apiary insurance should cover these topics:

  • Premise Liability
    • An example of premise liability would be someone falling in your booth and getting injured.
    • This coverage could even apply if someone gets close to your hives and gets stung.
  • Product coverage (can be included as a part of general liability) provides coverage for claims against you because of the use or consumption of your product.
    • Examples might include someone having a reaction to a balm you sold or someone getting sick after consuming your honey.
  • Do not count on your homeowner policy to provide this coverage.

The ABF listed providers for apiary insurance on its website: https://www.abfnet.org/ . However, these providers are in other states. The Louisiana Beekeepers Association www.labeekeepers.org has a listing of statewide providers for this type of coverage.

Risk Management Agency, a financial service of the USDA.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Risk Management Agency(RMA) has its Apiculture Pilot Insurance Program which provides a safety net for beekeepers’ primary income sources — honey, pollen collection, wax, and breeding stock. This coverage is available in the 48 contiguous states. If a beekeeper wants more information about this safety net coverage, then contact the USDA-RMA office at 601-965-4771.



If you want to contact “Beehive Buzz,” please send your questions and pictures to Keith Hawkins, Area Horticulture Agent (AHA), 318.264.2448 or khawkins@agcenter.lsu.edu . Also, you can be on the “beemail” email list by emailing your request to the address above.

“This work has been supported, in part, by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Renewable Resources Extension Act Award, Accession Number 1011417.”

“Mention of trade names or commercial products and services in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute endorsement by Louisiana State University AgCenter.”

5/25/2023 8:21:18 PM
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