About WASBA
As a group, WASBA supports our members by lobbying State Government for things such as the Beekeepers Bill of Rights which protects beekeepers from frivolous lawsuits. We also fund research and development in partnership with WSU and other institutions. Activities throughout the year highlight current research, train new beekeepers, and assist experienced beekeepers in learning new techniques.
WASBA Serves Washington Beekeepers in the Following Areas:
- To help maintain vibrant local beekeeping organizations
- Speakers Bureau provides educational speakers for your organization
- To assist the agricultural community
- To improve relations between Beekeepers, Government Agencies, and the Public
- To promote Beekeeping and bee products in the State of Washington and abroad
- To promote and maintain industry connections at the state, national, and international level
- To collectively represent all Beekeepers of Washington State
- To promote and enhance beekeeping research in the State of Washington
Benefits
Your membership in WASBA contributes to the welfare of hobbyist and professional beekeepers alike. As a group, we lobby for things such as the Beekeepers Bill of Rights and Section 18 permission to use specific miticides, to name a few. We also fund research and development activities relating to bees and beekeeping at the University level. Activities throughout the year highlight current research, train new beekeepers, and assist experienced beekeepers in learning new techniques. Furthermore, our bi-monthly newsletter will keep you abreast of issues affecting beekeepers in Washington State.
What We Do
WASBA is a volunteer organization. Here are some of the things we do for you:
Represent the interests of thousands of beekeepers in the State of Washington. WASBA is The Official Umbrella organization with over 20 local affiliate organizations.
Maintains a comprehensive website on Washington State specific beekeeping information.
Topical newsletter emphasizing Washington and regional information for members.
Contact information for all local beekeeping organizations.
Area representation for all areas in the State of Washington.
Work with the Washington State Department of Agriculture
Protection of honey bees from misuse of pesticides.
Rapidly disseminate information regarding potential threats such as the Northern Giant Hornet
Worked with WSDA to recreate the Apiary Advisory Committee (AAC).
Work each year with WSDA to authorize “section 18” miticide treatments for Washington State beekeepers.
Founding member and continuing participant on WSDA’s Pollinator Health Task Force.
Promote the welfare of local beekeeping associations
Local beekeeping associations can apply for a grant for up to $2,000 to be used to make a greater positive impact in their areas.
Provide educational speakers through the “Speakers Bureau” to provide talks at local organizations
Master Beekeeper Certification Committee
Creates the education standards for teaching beekeeping in Washington State.
A five level education program to educate beekeepers that includes testing and certification.
Works with the Washington State Department of Corrections and the Oregon State Department of Corrections to provide beekeeping instruction to inmates.
Work closely with WSU
Queen rearing program that provides SMR queens to local associations.
Scholarship opportunities to graduate students each year.
Master Beekeeper Certification Committee consultation.
Periodic educational field days.
Annual Conference Auction in Support of WSU with proceeds going directly to support the WSU Bee Research Facility in Othello, WA.
Work with the State Legislature to promote beekeeping and laws that are appropriate
Partner with agriculture groups, state legislators and lobbyists to advocate for policies and rules in favor of bees and beekeeping. Some recent actions: put up displays at the capital to inform legislators about pollinator issues, obtained liability protection for beekeepers in urban areas, got favorable tax treatment for commercial beekeepers, passed the honey bee & pollinator special license plate.
Coordinate and sponsor events
Sponsor the Washington State Beekeeping Conference in conjunction with local beekeeping associations and WSU.