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UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences University of Georgia Bee Program
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Vespa volutina and honey bee
Discovery of non-native yellow-legged hornet confirmed in Georgia for the first time (Aug. 9, 2023)
The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) announced Aug. 15, 2023, in coordination with USDA and the University of Georgia, confirmation of the presence of a yellow-legged hornet in Georgia for the first time. GDA is asking the public to report any sightings of the yellow-legged hornet, a non-native hornet species, that, if allowed to establish in Georgia, could potentially threaten honey production, native pollinators and our state’s number one industry – agriculture.
Report a sighting Information for county agents and beekeepers

Featured Programs


Georgia Prison Beekeeping Program
The initial goal of the Georgia Prison Beekeeping Program was to educate inmates in the art of beekeeping, but it has gone much further than that. Aside from general beekeeping skills, students have acquired additional skills, from learning how to read, to woodworking, welding, painting and writing. Since becoming certified, several have gone on to complete their GEDs.
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Master Beekeeper Program
The Georgia Master Beekeeper Program is an intensive four-step program designed to provide participants the opportunity to increase their knowledge about all things dealing with bees and beekeeping. This program gives participants the opportunity to learn and also teach others about beekeeping and promote the industry. It also helps establish the participant as an authority and an educational resource in his or her community.
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Beekeeping Resources
Access beekeeping resources here, including how to get started keeping honey bees, bee-related certifications in the state of Georgia, information on honey bee disorders, beekeeping associations and so much more.
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Support the UGA Bee Program
We are working to address sustainable bee health management, bee pollination and bee foraging ecology. Donate today to support our research and outreach efforts.
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Bee Program News

Dalan Animal Health moved to the Delta Innovation Hub on UGA’s campus in the fall of 2022. The company has shipped 500 doses of the world’s first honeybee vaccine, which it developed, to partners in California, potentially protecting as many as 25 million bees. (Photo courtesy of Dalan Animal Health) CAES News
Delta Innovation Hub provides new hive for creators of world’s first honey bee vaccine 09/12/23
In the fall of 2022, Annette Kleiser was looking for a new professional home. Her company, Dalan Animal Health, was developing the world’s first honeybee vaccine and needed a top research university that offered excellent veterinary and agriculture schools, honey bee research and an established animal health ecosystem. The University of Georgia was just what the doctor ordered.
A closeup image of a yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina), which was discovered in Georgia in August. It is the first time the invasive insect, which is a voracious predator of honey bees, has been found in the United States. CAES News
Non-native yellow-legged hornet confirmed in Georgia, U.S. for the first time 08/21/23
The Georgia Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences have confirmed the discovery of a yellow-legged hornet in Georgia for the first time. This is the first detection of live yellow-legged hornets in the open United States.
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University of Georgia Honey Bee Program

 

Our research addresses sustainable bee health management issues as well as more basic questions on bee pollination and foraging ecology. The UGA Bee Program aims to develop research, teaching and extension initiatives that are locally responsive while globally relevant.

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Latest Research
Latest Research
Our research addresses sustainable bee health management issues as well as more basic questions on bee pollination and foraging ecology.
Protecting Georgia's Pollinators
Protecting Georgia's Pollinators
A state plan for promoting a large, healthy and diverse pollinator workforce.
Great Southeast Pollinator Census
Great Southeast Pollinator Census
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is a citizen science project created by the University of Georgia. This project is designed for everyone to participate and make a difference for pollinator conservation!
Welsh Honey Judge
Welsh Honey Judge
Since 2001, we have offered training and certification for honey show judges in the time-honored tradition of the Welsh system from the United Kingdom. The Welsh training is the most stringent of its kind in the world for aspiring honey judges.

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