Progress report for SPDP24-031
Project Information
In the United States, Apiculture not only produces honey, a USDA recognized speciality crop, but provides pollination resources to farmers across the SARE Southern Region. Beekeeping revenue has been contracting at a compound annual growth rate of 6.7% over the past five years and is expected to total $624.2 billion in 2023, with profit set to reach 4.5%. However, According to data from the USDA, the number of honeybee colonies is estimated to have declined by 22% as of 2022. Our goal is to provide our beneficiaries, the historically underserved, the knowledge and skills to participate in Apiculture to increase the quality of life and independence for those with disabilities. An added benefit is the increase in honey producers that will participate in supporting the United States economy. Apiculture is a branch of agriculture that is blossoming and one of the easier branches to modify for someone with limitations.
The goal of this project is to train organizations at multiple universities and state extensions to increase the quality of life for the historically underserved by training organizations to aid the benefactors in accessible apiculture.
An Accessible Apiary is one that is specifically designed to promote safety and inclusion to all those that wish to participate in apiculture irregardless of disability. This includes considering design factors such as the material used to build the apiary, location for access, etc. By training professionals on the design of an Accessible Apiary this broadens the knowledge the professionals possess and increase the reach of apiculture to those that are historically underserved.
This project will give a broad overview through education on accessible apiculture using the Accessible Beekeeping 501c3 YouTube channel. The YouTube channel will educate the trainers and benefactors on accessible hive types and hardware to benefit the historically underserved through the use of online instruction. This will include the knowledge to make or suggest modifications and adaptations based on the limitations presented to them. Apiculture has a large number of hive systems that are adaptable to the user, rather than having to adapt the user to the hive system.
However, the knowledge needed to be successful in apiculture is too vast to include everything in online training. Training in adaptive hardware, hive systems, and their possible modifications allows the trainer to instruct our beneficiaries adequately so that they may employ the suggestions. The organization will be able to guide the beneficiary towards success through a list of guidelines, adaptations, modifications, and knowledge gained to further the quest for mastery of accessible apiculture. This will be done using education at apiculture conferences and universities in the SARE Southern Regions.
Cooperators
- (Educator and Researcher)
- - Producer
- - Technical Advisor - Producer
- (Educator)
Education
The approach is to build and deliver a train-the-trainer program that incorporates both hands on and workbook learning, as well as a virtual program, to present accessible apiculture to benefit the underserved. Professionals includes assistive technology professionals, National AgrAbility members, the farm service agency, usda extension officers, etc. that benefit the underserved.
Apiculture was used in 1919 as a vocational opportunity for veterans returning from World War I due to the necessity of wax and honey during the war. In the U.S., there are non-profits already in place for joining beekeeping with Veterans and first responders, but leaves out some of the underserved. Unfortunately, some of them are not trained or have limited knowledge in the available practices to make apiculture accessible. Accessible Beekeeping, working with an assistive technology certified professional (ATP), universities, and a mentor farmer hopes to change that with training and the spreading of knowledge to reach the entirety of the underserved.
Training in accessible beekeeping gives professionals the knowledge to better assist the consumers. Putting together and delivering a training that evolves with the industry is important to keep professionals knowledge of the current available accessible practices to assist the people they help.
Due to the physical requirements of beekeeping, beekeeping can portray itself as being out of the reach of the underserved. However, due to recent gains in the apiculture industry this is not the case. The modifications made on hive types has made beekeeping more accessible then ever before. Being able to give hands on experience with the numerous hive types, hardware, and practices will provide a train-the-trainer program with an in-depth overview that can be taken to the underserved, as well as spread knowledge to orchards and other agriculture endeavors in the SARE Southern region that can benefit from the use of pollination services. This increases the commercial and economy benefits for both the underserved consumer and the United States simultaneously. In short, this means that the benefit of this training is that it can benefit both the economy of the United States and the quality of life of the underserved at the same time.
After the purchase and assembly of the current hive systems on the market, two things will happen. First, Accessible Beekeeping will build a online video playlist using YouTube that walks through the hives and how it works in depth. The benefit of a Youtube playlist is that after completion of the grant it will continue to be publicly available for professionals and the underserved to view and study. This will allow us to offer virtual trainings and evaluations for professionals quarterly to certify that they understand the material even after the completion of the grant.
During the recording of the YouTube playlist, Accessible Beekeeping and Key Collaborators will work together to build a workbook that pairs with the video playlist and onsite trainings. This workbook will be made available publicly online and provided bound at onsite trainings. The mentor farmer and ATP will work closely with Accessible Beekeeping to create the workbook that fits the evaluations created by the ATP professional and teaches the necessary information to fulfill the needs of the professional learning accessible beekeeping.
Accessible Beekeeping and the ATP will work together to build an evaluation system through National AgrAbility that ensures that the professional can be a benefit to the underserved. The evaluations will include case studies that immerse the professional in simulated real life situations and verify that they are able to apply the course material to the situations accurately.
Upon completion of the Youtube playlist, workbook, and evaluations, Accessible Beekeeping and Key Collaborators will open up virtual trainings and site visits that include specialized talks giving professionals the chance to get a broad overview of accessible apiculture. During this time the workbook and evaluations will be evaluated and modified to ensure they are fault free and do justice to the SARE PDP grant and accessible apiculture.
Starting in January of 2025, Accessible Beekeeping and Key Collaborators will start to offer onsite trainings. Onsite trainings will showcase the different available hive types and accessible hardware on the market. Professionals will receive a overview of each hive system and its benefits and weaknesses. After the overview, professionals will have the opportunity to do hands on training with the hive systems and accessible hardware. This will ensure that not only can they inform the underserved of the available options, but that they can also train the underserved on how to use it. This is not a beekeeping training and assumes some basic knowledge of how to manage a colony of honey bees, but showcases the differences between the industry standard, Langstroth, hive system and the other available hive systems on the market. At completion of the training, Professionals will be evaluated using the systems incorporated by the ATP to ensure that they have comprehended and retained the information made available to them to help the underserved with accessible apiculture.
The onsite trainings will continue for two years spanning the SARE Southern region with virtual trainings and evaluations offered quarterly in 2025 and 2026. Accessible Beekeeping, ATP, and National AgrAbility are working together to create a verifiable certificate that validates the professionals understanding of accessible apiculture.
Accessible Beekeeping will continue researching and working with universities to design accessible hardware and practices to modify and grow the training over the time that the trainings are made available to make sure that the trainings provide the most up to date resources available. This will extend the reach of the trainings and evaluations past the two year grant and Accessible Beekeeping projects that the next five years will continue to benefit from the work created under the SARE PDP grant.
Due to the implementation of a public Youtube Playlist, publicly available workbook, virtual trainings and evaluations using Google Meet, COVID restrictions and shut downs will not stop training and evaluations, even if onsite trainings are limited or cease to exist.
Education & Outreach Initiatives
To increase the capacity of extension agents, university educators, AgrAbility professionals, and agricultural service providers to support people and veterans with disabilities in apiculture through a train-the-trainer professional development model that emphasizes accessibility, safety, and practical application.
This education and outreach initiative delivered in-person professional development trainings on accessible apiculture at North Carolina State University, the University of Florida, and Virginia Tech. The trainings focused on equipping agricultural professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to assist beekeepers with physical, sensory, cognitive, and neurological disabilities.
Each training combined lecture-based instruction, scenario-based learning, and hands-on demonstrations of accessible hive systems, adaptive equipment, and ergonomic practices. Participants were introduced to multiple hive styles, assistive technologies, and assessment frameworks designed to match individual limitations with appropriate adaptations rather than forcing beekeepers to conform to traditional systems.
Standardized pre- and post-training questionnaires, session evaluations, and follow-up reviews were used to assess learning, application, and longer-term adoption of training concepts. The initiative supports a train-the-trainer model, enabling participants to disseminate accessible apiculture knowledge within their institutions, extension programs, and communities.
The initiative resulted in measurable learning gains, professional behavior change, and early institutional impact. Across three university-based trainings, 75 participants completed standardized evaluations (25 per site). Pre- and post-training assessments showed substantial improvements in participants’ ability to identify appropriate assistive technologies, recommend accessible hive systems based on specific disabilities, and apply ergonomic and safety principles during hive inspections, honey handling, and market preparation.
Scenario-based evaluation results demonstrated that participants were able to apply training concepts to realistic situations, including conducting needs-based assessments, prioritizing safety and independence, and selecting low-tech and cost-effective accommodations. Session evaluations indicated high perceived value, with the majority of participants agreeing that the content was useful, applicable to their work, and delivered effectively.
Action outcomes were assessed through one-month and three-month follow-up reviews. At one month, many participants reported sharing accessible beekeeping information through extension programming, university instruction, and community outreach. At three months, participants continued to report applying training concepts in professional practice, demonstrating sustained knowledge retention and increased confidence when advising beekeepers with disabilities.
The broader impact of this initiative is increased institutional capacity to deliver inclusive apiculture education and expanded access to beekeeping for historically underserved populations. The train-the-trainer approach supports scalability and long-term impact across the Southern region by embedding accessible practices within existing agricultural education and extension systems.
To provide standardized, accessible training materials that support professional development, reinforce learning after in-person trainings, and enable long-term dissemination of accessible apiculture practices.
This initiative focused on the development of a comprehensive Accessible Beekeeping Training Manual, paired with digital learning resources including videos, case studies, and evaluation tools. The materials were designed to support train-the-trainer delivery and to serve as a long-term reference for extension agents, university educators, and agricultural professionals. Materials were made available in digital format and provided in print at select onsite trainings.
To assess knowledge gains, professional application, and sustained use of accessible apiculture concepts following professional development trainings.
This initiative implemented a structured evaluation framework using pre/post questionnaires, session evaluations, and one- and three-month follow-up surveys. Evaluation tools measured knowledge acquisition, confidence, and real-world application of training concepts. Results were used to assess training effectiveness and inform iterative improvements to instructional content and delivery methods.
To extend access to accessible apiculture education beyond in-person trainings through digital platforms that support remote learning and ongoing professional reference.
This initiative leveraged publicly available digital platforms, including instructional videos, online manuals, and virtual training tools, to disseminate accessible beekeeping knowledge. Digital outreach enabled continued access to training materials, supported virtual learning opportunities, and reduced barriers related to travel, cost, and physical accessibility.
To explore the use of emerging technologies to assist trainers and extension agents in supporting disabled beekeepers during hive inspections and decision-making.
This initiative explored the development and integration of accessible digital tools, including software-based visual analysis resources, to support trainers during real-world beekeeping activities. The tools were designed to complement professional judgment and assistive technology recommendations without replacing hands-on training.
Educational & Outreach Activities
Participation summary:
Learning Outcomes
Project Outcomes
The activities conducted under this project resulted in measurable learning gains, professional behavior change, and early institutional impact related to accessible apiculture. Through in-person professional development trainings delivered at North Carolina State University, the University of Florida, and Virginia Tech, participants increased both their knowledge of accessible beekeeping practices and their capacity to apply those practices in real-world settings.
Learning outcomes were assessed using standardized pre- and post-training questionnaires and session evaluations. Across all three training locations, participants demonstrated substantial improvements in their ability to identify appropriate assistive technologies, match hive systems to specific physical, sensory, and cognitive limitations, and apply ergonomic and safety principles during hive inspections, honey handling, and market preparation. Scenario-based assessment items showed particularly strong gains, indicating that participants were able to move beyond theoretical knowledge to practical, decision-based application.
Action outcomes were measured through one-month and three-month follow-up evaluations. At the one-month mark, a majority of participants reported actively sharing accessible beekeeping information within their professional roles, including extension programming, university instruction, and community outreach. Participants reported reaching beekeepers, people with disabilities, and members of the general public, demonstrating early dissemination consistent with a train-the-trainer model. Knowledge retention was confirmed through correct responses to follow-up scenario questions addressing assistive technology use and injury risk reduction.
At the three-month follow-up, participants continued to report applying training concepts in professional practice. Responses reflected increased confidence in conducting needs-based assessments, recommending low-tech and cost-effective accommodations, and prioritizing safety, independence, and dignity when working with disabled beekeepers. Participants demonstrated sustained use of assessment-driven approaches rather than assumption-based recommendations, indicating meaningful behavior change.
The broader impact of the project is an increase in institutional capacity to support people and veterans with disabilities in apiculture. By equipping extension agents, university educators, and agricultural professionals with practical frameworks and tools, the project expanded access to beekeeping as a viable agricultural activity for historically underserved populations. The train-the-trainer structure, combined with standardized evaluation tools and follow-up engagement, supports scalability and long-term impact beyond the initial training events.
Overall, the project achieved its intended outcomes by increasing professional knowledge, driving real-world application, and strengthening institutions' ability to deliver inclusive, accessible apiculture education across the Southern region.
In addition to the planned learning and action outcomes, several unanticipated outcomes emerged during implementation that strengthened the project’s overall impact. One significant outcome was the identification of a gap in available tools to support trainers and extension agents during real-world hive inspections with disabled beekeepers. While participants demonstrated strong understanding during training, early implementation revealed that trainers sometimes lacked accessible, real-time resources to assist beekeepers outside of formal instructional settings.
In response, the project expanded to include the development of digital and artificial intelligence–supported resources that allow trainers, extension agents, and institutions to analyze hive conditions and provide guidance using accessible software tools. This enhancement did not change the project’s scope but significantly improved the effectiveness of the train-the-trainer model by extending support beyond in-person sessions and increasing consistency in recommendations.
Another unanticipated outcome was the level of cross-disciplinary interest generated by the training. Participants from assistive technology, AgrAbility, and extension backgrounds reported increased collaboration, including shared consultations and referrals related to accessible apiculture. This cross-sector engagement strengthened institutional networks and improved coordination when supporting beekeepers with disabilities.
The project also demonstrated that shifting outreach materials toward digital formats increased accessibility and sustainability. Participants reported continued use of training videos, manuals, and evaluation tools beyond the original sessions, allowing for ongoing professional reference and reinforcement of learning. This approach reduced reliance on printed materials while expanding reach.
Finally, follow-up evaluations revealed that participants not only applied training concepts but adapted them to additional agricultural contexts, such as pollination services, orchard work, and farm market operations. This indicates that the principles taught through accessible apiculture training have broader relevance across agricultural systems.
As the project progresses, these outcomes will continue to inform refinement of training materials, digital resources, and evaluation tools to ensure the program remains responsive to professional needs and advances inclusive agricultural education across the Southern region.
Future work in accessible apiculture would benefit from expanded research on the long-term adoption and economic impacts of adaptive beekeeping practices among people and veterans with disabilities. Tracking outcomes such as colony survival, honey production, and income stability over multiple seasons would provide valuable data to further validate accessible apiculture as a viable agricultural pathway.
Additional study is recommended on the effectiveness of different training delivery methods, including in-person, virtual, and hybrid models, to determine which formats best support knowledge retention and real-world application among extension agents and agricultural professionals. Continued evaluation would help refine train-the-trainer approaches and improve scalability across regions.
There is also an opportunity to further explore the integration of emerging technologies, such as accessible digital tools and artificial intelligence, to support real-time decision-making during hive inspections and farm operations. Evaluating how these tools complement professional judgment and assistive technology recommendations could inform future professional development programs.
Finally, expanding partnerships with universities, extension services, AgrAbility programs, and veteran-focused agricultural organizations would strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and increase the reach of accessible apiculture education. Continued engagement with these partners can support the development of standardized best practices and contribute to broader adoption of inclusive agricultural training models supported by SARE.