North Dakota State Beekeeping Registration Requirements

Under NDCC Chapter 4.1-46, every person who owns or operates an apiary in North Dakota must register annually with the State Apiarist by December 31. Registration requires apiary locations, hive counts, and a fee. The Agriculture Commissioner enforces a one-mile location separation rule between commercial apiaries to prevent disease spread and protect honey production, which is significant given North Dakota leads the nation in honey production. State inspectors may examine hives for American foulbrood and other diseases. The state framework applies uniformly, though municipalities retain authority over zoning for hobby beekeeping within city limits.

Failure to register apiaries, violating one-mile separation rules, or refusing inspection is an infraction punishable by fines and possible hive destruction orders.