Mississippi Agriculture Commissioner Lester Spell says his agency will begin offering financial assistance to beekeepers in an effort to reverse the recent decline in the state’s honey bee population.

Spell recently announced the financial assistance will be made available to eligible beginning beekeepers who establish up to four colonies of honey bees. By showing proof of purchase for two hives, Spell says, a new beekeeper may receive a reimbursement of up to $180 for one of the two hives and bees. Qualifying applicants can receive a maximum reimbursement of $360.

The program is administered through the Mississippi Beekeepers Association and is being funded through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Applicants must apply by April 1, 2009.