All hive sites must meet the following requirements:

• Must be sited in organically managed fields and/or wild natural areas.  
• Should be sited in areas that ensure access to source of honeydew, nectar and pollen that meet organic crop production requirements.
• Must not be within 3km of the following land uses; intensive cropping, intensive conventional horticulture, industrial or urban sites that may provide a source of contamination.
• Hives must be made of natural materials presenting no risk of contamination to the environment or to apicultural products.

Preservation of woodenware

• Paraffin wax dipping is permitted for the preservation of hive woodenware.   
• Copper naphthenate or any other material not allowed under the BioGro Standards must not be applied as a timber preservative on new or existing woodenware.

HEALTH AND WELFARE

• Hives must be primarily achieved by good hygiene and hive management practices. Where preventative measures fail and pest and disease problems require treatment then preference must be given to using phytotherapeutic and homeopathic treatments.
• The practice of destroying the male brood is also permitted.
• Smoker fuel used must only be natural materials, such as jute or pine needles, and must only have contact with materials allowed under the standard.
• Sacks that have contained treated seed must not be used. The use of smoke must be kept to a minimum.   
• Certified sugar must be used.
• The extraction of honey from brood chambers where sugar feeding has been used is prohibited.
• Wing clipping is prohibited. 

Permitted substances for control of Varroa destructor mite:

• formic acid
• lactic acid
• acetic acid
• oxalic acid
• menthol
• thymol
• eucalyptol
• camphor