FACT IS: The NC program was NOT for NEW BEEKEEPERS ONLY. Preference was to be given to new beekeepers, but there was no restriction as to who could apply. If you read the application you can see there is no stipulation for NEW beekeepers only. Otherwise, there would have been only 1 check box: "Are you wanting to become a beekeeper?" The way the program was explained by Dr. Tarpy last year, was that tobacco farmers who wanted to enter the beekeeping field would be #1 on the list, followed by everybody else, with hobby beekeepers on the bottom of the pile. The state did not anticipate the number of applications. It was 2773 applications, not 2500, and there were 500 hives@2 per person, so that would be 250 sets of bees, not 200. I think the decision to place bees was made based on the application responses, trusting that the applicants would be truthful about their experience etc. Everybody was encouraged to apply, sort of like sending in an entry to Publisher's Clearing House, knowing the chances of getting bees was slim-to-none, but still worth the effort, JUST IN CASE it might happen. Suppose only 150 persons had applied and 140 were beekeepers? What would theyhave done with the rest of the bees? It's all irrelevant now, since it's a done deal. I'm happy for the bee recipients and wish them well. Maybe some more money will trickle down from the Golden Leaf Foundation and it could go to mite and hive beetle eradication research. Here's a plaintext copy of the application from the NCSU Entomolgy website:(BTW it says nothing about having to join a local bee club) Do you have previous agricultural experience? _ Yes_ No If yes, give brief description: __________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ Do you have beekeeping experience? _ Yes _ No If yes, please describe: ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ Are you/have you been a member of a beekeeping organization? _ Yes_ No If yes, which organization: _______________ Have you ever received formal training in apiculture? _ Yes _ No If yes, where? _____________________________________________ Which of the following best describes yourself: (please check one) _ I am a potential hobby beekeeper with no experience or training in beekeeping. _ am a potential hobby beekeeper with some training in beekeeping (e.g., a local bee school). _ I am currently a hobby beekeeper who wishes to become a full-time commercial beekeeper. _ I was once a beekeeper but no longer keep bees, and I wish to start beekeeping again. _ I am an active beekeeper with moderate experience and training, but I do not wish to become a commercial beekeeper. _ I have an active agriculture enterprise and wish to become a beekeeper to pollinate my crops or orchards. In order to be considered for the program, you must agree to the following: (Please check each box to indicate agreement) _I will acknowledge the receipt of materials by phone or e-mail; _ I agree not to sell materials obtained through the program within 2 years after receipt. _ If I quit the program, I will agree to return the bees and materials as instructed. _ I agree to respond to a survey for research purposes. _ I will assume personal liability for all materials, including honey bees. _ I agree to participate in education and training sessions. -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.1 - Release Date: 4/1/2005 :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::