MSBA is a non-profit membership organization of beekeepers in Maine, dedicated to education, using best practices and honey bee health. Affiliated with local chapters throughout the state, MSBA also works with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to promote the honey bee, products of the hive and initiatives to support beekeepers.
The honey bee was adopted by the Maine Legislature in 1975 as the official state insect and it is part of this organization’s objective to protect and foster the honey bee’s beneficial use to the State of Maine.
Their 1,000+ members represent all levels of expertise and experience from backyard hobbyists to part and full-time beekeeping business owners and commercial pollinators. The Maine State Beekeepers Association has local chapter affiliates throughout the state.
Activities include:
- School-Based Beekeeping Programs are recognized by MSBA for their important work as educators helping to create the next generation of Maine beekeepers.
- Bee Schools for beginning and intermediate beekeepers are offered by local chapters, adult education programs, beekeeping supply businesses and in cooperation with county extension offices.
- sponsor an annual meeting held at different locations around the state every fall
- maintain a website with beekeeping resources and useful information
- host webinars on a variety of topics presented by experts in their fields
- publish The Bee Line, a bi-monthly newsletter. MSBA members are welcome to attend board meetings, held on the third Thursday of each month by Zoom. Feel free to contact any board member with questions, comments, and ideas about how MSBA can better serve you and the Maine beekeeping community
- collectively support important scientific research. Currently $1 (7% of regular annual dues) is donated to the EAS Foundation for Honey Bee Research, a competitive grant program developed from donations received from beekeepers and others interested in funding research on topical problems in honey bees. Proposals for support are annually solicited.
Want to know more?
- Website: mainebeekeepers.org
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mainebeekeepers
- School Based Beekeeping Programs
