Editing Apiary (section)

== Location ==
[[File:Apiary.jpg|thumb|right|Apiary (Bienenhaus) in [[Upper Bavaria]], [[Germany]]]]Apiaries are usually situated on high ground in order to avoid moisture collection, though in proximity to a consistent water source—whether natural or man-made—to ensure the bees' access.<ref name=":02"/> Additionally, ample nectar supplies for the bees as well as relatively large amounts of sun are considered.<ref name=":02" /> They are often situated close to orchards, farms, and public gardens, which require frequent pollination to develop a positive feedback loop between the bees and their food sources. This also economizes on the bees' pollination and the plants' supply of nectar.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/agr/farm-products/apiary/|title=Apiary Program (honey bees)|last=AGR|date=2016-04-27|website=Energy and Environmental Affairs|language=en|access-date=2017-10-29}}</ref>

An apiary may have [[hive management]] objectives other than honey production, including queen rearing and mating. In the [[northern hemisphere]], east and south facing locations with full morning sun are preferred. In hot climates, shade is needed and may have to be artificially provided if trees are not present. Other factors include air and water drainage and accessibility by truck, distance from phobic people, and protection from vandalism.

In the USA there are beekeepers—from hobbyists to commercial—in every state. The most lucrative areas for American honey production are Florida, Texas, California, and the Upper Midwest.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=http://www.beeculture.com/u-s-honey-industry-report-2016/|title=U.S. Honey Industry Report - 2016 {{!}} Bee Culture|date=2017-04-24|work=Bee Culture|access-date=2017-10-29|language=en-US}}</ref> For paid pollination, the main areas are California, the Pacific Northwest, the Great Lakes States, and the Northeast.<ref name=":1" /> Rules and regulations by local ordinances and zoning laws also affect apiaries.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/lawn-garden/how-to/g56/diy-backyard-beekeeping-47031701/|title=Beekeeping 101: Supplies, Plans and How To|date=2015-01-29|work=Popular Mechanics|access-date=2017-10-30|language=en}}</ref>

In recent years US honey production has dropped and the U.S. imports 16% of the world's honey.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://worldtradedaily.com/2012/07/28/honey-world-production-top-exporters-top-importers-and-untied-states-imports-by-country/|title=Honey: World Production, Top Exporters, Top Importers, and United States Imports by Country|date=2012-07-28|work=World Trade Daily|access-date=2017-10-30|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213234917/https://worldtradedaily.com/2012/07/28/honey-world-production-top-exporters-top-importers-and-untied-states-imports-by-country/|archive-date=2018-02-13|url-status=dead}}</ref> Internationally, the largest honey producing exporters are China, Germany, and Mexico.<ref name=":2" /> As in the United States the location of apiaries varies internationally depending on available resources and the operational need. For more information on nation-specific beekeeping see their respective articles, such as the [[Beekeeping in Nepal]] article.