Special Notice / Hearing: NONE
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Koren J. Widdel, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer
Subject: Waiver of California Food and Agricultural Code Apiary Registration Fees for Hobbyist Beekeepers with nine or fewer colonies.
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Adopt a resolution authorizing a waiver of the apiary registration fee for hobbyist beekeepers maintaining fewer than nine colonies pursuant to Title 3, Section 2951 of the California Code of Regulations and Section 29044(a) of the California Food and Agricultural Code.
body
BACKGROUND:
On March 20, 2025, Title 3, Section 2951 of the California Code of Regulations was updated to establish a new fee schedule for the registration of beehives, effective January 1, 2026. California Food and Agricultural Code (“FAC”) Section 20944 mandates an annual statewide registration fee for each beekeeper, apiary owner, apiary operator, broker, or person in possession of any apiary.
FAC Section 29044(a) further provides that the Board of Supervisors of any county, with the approval of the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (“CDFA”), may waive the registration fee for any beekeeper, apiary owner, apiary operator, or person who is a hobbyist, not engaged in the business of beekeeping, and who possesses nine or fewer colonies. Consistent therewith, on or about October 7, 2025, the CDFA issued a letter to “All County Agricultural Commissioners” in California which provides blanket approval for County Boards of Supervisors to waive the apiary registration fee for those who meet these criteria.
DISCUSSION:
For the reasons set forth herein, the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer recommends that this Board authorize a waiver of the apiary registration for hobbyist beekeepers in San Mateo County. Indeed, the majority of beekeepers in San Mateo County are hobbyists who maintain fewer than nine colonies. Implementing this waiver will reduce financial burdens on small-scale beekeepers and encourage compliance with state registration requirements.
Registration also provides important benefits, including participation in the Pollinator Protection Program, which notifies registered beekeepers of pesticide applications within one mile of their hives. This information helps protect colonies from pesticide exposure, supports efforts to prevent the spread of invasive pests, and assists in deterring and investigating apiary theft.
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2023-24 Actual |
FY 2024-25 Actual |
FY 2025-26 Target |
|
Number of Beekeeper Registrations in compliance with State Regulations |
65 |
64 |
65 |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Even modest fees can deter participation and by waiving the apiary registration fee for hobbyist beekeepers with nine or fewer colonies enables more individuals and families to engage in small-scale or community-based beekeeping activities. This will encourage broader participation in sustainable agricultural practices across diverse communities regardless of income level contributing to local food systems, environmental stewardship, and pollinator health without operating as commercial enterprises.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with this resolution.