Where it all began:
In early 2025, twenty of Vermont’s leading women in the Vermont Beekeepers Association came together for a full-day event focused on identifying key challenges and opportunities for women in beekeeping. Through storytelling and breakout discussions, it became clear that women in Vermont’s beekeeping community feel underrepresented and under-supported.
This gathering led to the formation of the Women in Beekeeping (WiB) Working Group, a collective effort to begin addressing those gaps through community, education, and leadership.
Why the group formed:
The WiB Working Group was established to address the specific challenges women encounter in the beekeeping industry and to create a collaborative, supportive space for learning and growth. Like many agricultural fields, beekeeping has historically been shaped by male leadership and perspectives. The WiB group aims to support greater inclusion by offering opportunities for women to connect, share knowledge, and increase their visibility within the beekeeping community.
Who We Are:
A joint collaborative effort between the Vermont Beekeeper’s Association and the Vermont Bee Lab.
The Vermont Bee Lab is a research and outreach laboratory located at the University of Vermont. We are dedicated to the protection of pollinators through research, education and outreach.
The Vermont Beekeepers association a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Vermont’s beekeeping community, from hobbyists to commercial operations. Through advocacy and education, the VBA promotes healthy, productive colonies and works to strengthen both the practice and the business of beekeeping across the state.
Purpose & Goals:
The Women in Beekeeping group exists to support women in the beekeeping industry by creating opportunities for education, community-building, and leadership.
Our goals include:
-
Education and Training– Offering hands-on workshops and practical resources tailored to women’s interests and needs in beekeeping
-
Networking and Support– Building a strong peer network to share advice, experiences, and resources
-
Visibility and Recognition– Highlighting the contributions of women beekeepers through profiles, storytelling, and public outreach
What You’ll Gain:
Through this work, we aim to increase women’s participation, leadership, and visibility in Vermont beekeeping. Women will gain practical beekeeping and business skills, connect to peer networks, and feel more confident in expanding their operations. Over time, this effort will support greater inclusion in VBA events and leadership, and serve as a model for other underrepresented groups within the organization to form their own support networks.
Difference between workshops & field days
Get Involved:
Are you a woman in Vermont’s beekeeping community—or interested in becoming one? Follow us on social media at Facebook @vermontwomeninbeekeeping and Instagram @vermontwomeninbeekeeping or send an email to markets@vermontbeekeepers.org to subscribe to our emails.
The Women in Beekeeping group is creating a space where women can share knowledge, build skills, and shape the future of the field together. Follow along for upcoming workshops, field days, and stories highlighting women-led beekeeping operations. We’re just getting started, and the success of this work depends on your input and participation. We look forward to building this community with you.
