There has never been any mention of the success rate of this venture, I am of the opinion that if a beekeeper invests in his equipment he will take greater care of it. As it is I think the hive losses in VA will continue to grow if this trend continues. Who knows if the state just appropriates tax payers money so that some can get free hives how long will it be before they start appropriating my bees to give to less fortunate people who cannot keep theirs alive.