Washington: US First Lady Melania Trump on Friday unveiled a newly installed beehive on the South Lawn of the White House, expanding the official honey programme and boosting production capacity.
The Office of the First Lady said the hand-crafted hive, designed in the image of the White House, will add two new bee colonies to the existing two colonies that already produce the signature White House honey.
“The beautiful, new hive will add two new bee colonies to the existing two colonies that already produce the signature White House honey,” the statement said.
The expansion is expected to increase annual honey production by an estimated 30 pounds.
The additional output will support White House culinary use, official gifting, and charitable donations.
“The new hive is expected to increase annual honey production by an estimated 30 pounds, allowing for even greater use in preparing White House culinary dishes, serving as official gifts from the President and the First Lady, and supporting charitable donations of healthy foods to local food kitchens,” it said.
Beyond production, the installation also serves an environmental function.
The beehive will support pollination across key areas of the White House grounds and nearby public spaces.
“The installation will support the existing colonies in pollinating the nearby White House Kitchen Garden, Flower Cutting Garden, and vegetation on the National Mall,” the statement noted.
The initiative also carries an educational component, with officials highlighting opportunities for visitors to observe and learn about beekeeping and food systems.
“It will also serve as an educational feature, offering potential opportunities for visitors on the South Lawn to get a closer look at a working colony and learn about pollination and food production firsthand,” it said.
The beehive expansion builds on a long-running programme that has become part of the White House’s sustainability and horticultural efforts.
According to background details, the beekeeping initiative began in 2009 after White House carpenter Charlie Brandt took up beekeeping on the grounds.
Over time, the programme has grown into a steady source of honey used in the Executive Residence kitchens.
During peak summer months, the two existing colonies can reach nearly 70,000 bees, producing between 200 and 225 pounds of honey annually.
Officials estimate that with the addition of the new hive, peak production could rise to between 230 and 255 pounds or more in a productive year.
The White House honey, described as having “light clover and basswood flavor, with a subtle hint of citrus”, is used by chefs to sweeten teas, prepare salad dressings, and craft desserts.
The expansion was funded through the Trust for the National Mall and reflects continued stewardship of the South Grounds.
The hive and its base were designed by the Executive Residence staff and hand-crafted by a local Virginia artisan.
White House Chief Horticulturist Dale Haney and local apiarists oversee the programme, which complements other initiatives such as the Kitchen Garden and the Flower Cutting Garden.
(IANS)
