US First Lady Melania Trump has announced the expansion of the White House's honey program. According to the White House, a new, fully functional beehive has been installed on the South Lawn. The hive was crafted in the shape of the White House by a local artisan and will add two new colonies to the existing two bee colonies.
Redaksiya, citing the White House, reports that the new hive is expected to increase annual honey production by approximately 30 pounds. This honey will be used in the White House kitchen for preparing meals, in official gifts on behalf of the President and First Lady, and in healthy food donations to local food kitchens.
The White House states that the new colonies will also support the pollination of plants in the White House Kitchen Garden, the Flower Garden, and the National Mall area. The hive also serves an educational purpose: visitors to the South Lawn will be able to see a functional bee colony up close and learn about pollination and food production.
The beekeeping program at the White House officially began in 2009. During the summer months, the number of bees in the existing two hives can reach approximately 70,000, producing 200-225 pounds of honey in productive years. With the new hive, this figure is expected to rise to 230-255 pounds and more over time.