11/08/2026
Here's a snippet from an article in our most recent edition of Bee Culture Magazine. Like what you read? Subscribe today! Just go to www.BeeCulture.com (outside of the U.S. - head to www.Store.BeeCulture.com).
Shutting Down Federal Bee Labs Threatens Bees, Beekeepers and the US Food System
This article was originally published by The Conversation
Jennie L. Durant
America’s bees and beekeepers are losing a valuable ally just when they need its help most.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to soon close the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, a 6,500-acre agricultural research station in Maryland that is home to the nation’s premier bee research and disease diagnosis hub, the Beltsville Bee Research Lab.
The closure comes at a critical moment for bees. In Winter 2025, many beekeepers lost over half their operations as pesticide-resistant varroa mites spread, bringing deadly viruses. The losses have led to low honey production, and soaring fuel costs have made shipping bees cross-country for agricultural pollination increasingly expensive, further stressing the industry.
During my 14 years researching bees and beekeepers, and in writing my new book, Bitter Honey: Big Ag’s Threat to Bees and the Fight to Save Them, I’ve seen beekeepers frequently turn to the USDA bee labs for support during crises like this. Because honey bees contribute roughly US$15 billion to U.S. crop production – native and managed bees pollinate more than 130 crops – these labs help stabilize the nation’s food system.
To read on, go to: https://beeculture.com/shutting-down-federal-bee-labs-threatens-bees-beekeepers-and-the-us-food-system/
Photo Caption: Bees are crucial pollinators for many crops, as well as producers of honey. Allagash Brewing/Flickr Creative Commons