Understanding the ELAP Program for Beekeepers

How the USDA Helps Cover Bee Losses

If you’re a beekeeper, you already know—losses happen. Whether it’s harsh winters, pesticide exposure, or unexpected colony collapse, losing bees isn’t just frustrating… it’s expensive.

That’s where the ELAP program comes in.

What Is ELAP?

The USDA Farm Service Agency Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-

Raised Fish Program (ELAP) is designed to help producers recover financially from losses that aren’t covered by other disaster programs.

For beekeepers, ELAP specifically provides compensation for:

• Colony losses

• Hive losses

• Feed losses (like supplemental sugar feeding during shortages)

This program is a critical safety net for operations of all sizes—from backyard beekeepers to commercial apiaries.

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What Types of Bee Losses Are Covered?

ELAP covers losses caused by events outside of your control, including:

Eligible Loss Causes

• Extreme weather (cold snaps, drought, flooding)

• Wildfires

• Disease (in some qualifying cases)

• Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD)

• Pesticide exposure (when properly documented)

One important note: normal seasonal losses are NOT covered.

The USDA expects a certain percentage of loss each year, so ELAP only kicks in when losses exceed typical expectations.

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How Much Can You Get?

Payments vary depending on:

• The number of colonies lost

• The cause of loss

• USDA payment rates for that year

Generally, ELAP provides partial compensation, not full replacement value—but it can still make a big difference in keeping your operation afloat.

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What You Need to Qualify

To be eligible, you must:

Basic Requirements

• Be a registered producer with the USDA Farm Service Agency

• File a Notice of Loss within required timeframes

• Provide documentation of your hive counts and losses

Documentation You Should Keep

• Hive inventory records

• Photos of losses (if applicable)

• Receipts for equipment or feed

• Written explanation of what happened

Pro tip: Good recordkeeping is EVERYTHING. If you’re not tracking your hive counts, you’re leaving money on the table.

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Deadlines Matter

Timing is critical with ELAP.

• Notice of Loss: Typically within 30 days of when the loss becomes apparent

• Application for Payment: Usually by January 30 of the following year

Missing these deadlines can mean no payment, even if your loss qualifies.

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Why ELAP Matters for Beekeepers

Beekeeping isn’t just a hobby—it’s agriculture. And bees play a massive role in pollination, food production, and local ecosystems.

Programs like ELAP recognize that importance and help ensure:

• Beekeepers can recover from major setbacks

• Pollination services remain stable

• Local agriculture continues to thrive

For operations like ours here in Locust Grove, Virginia, this program can be the difference between rebuilding… or shutting down.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re running bees and not familiar with ELAP, now is the time to learn.

Even if you never need it, having:

• Your records in order

• Your farm registered

• A relationship with your local FSA office

…puts you in a strong position if something goes wrong.

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Need Help?

If you’re a local beekeeper in the Spotsylvania / Orange / Fredericksburg area and have questions about ELAP, feel free to reach out.

We’re all in this together—and helping each other is how we keep the beekeeping community strong.

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Mark Geslock

Beekeeper / Owner

Gees Bees