California State Beekeepers Association

10/03/2026

Better is not the same as sustainable.

Preliminary results from the 2025–26 U.S. Beekeeping Survey estimate a 39.9% annual loss of managed honey bee colonies nationwide. While that’s an improvement from last year, losses remain high, with commercial beekeepers reporting an estimated 38.7% annual loss.

For beekeepers, rebuilding lost colonies means continued costs, resources, and pressure on operations essential to pollination and agriculture.

We want to hear from YOU! Do you think this level of colony loss is sustainable for the beekeeping industry?

- Yes, it's manageable
- No, it's unsustainable
- Unsure

Cast your vote and share your thoughts in the comments! What will it take to create a more sustainable future for beekeeping?

Learn more: https://apiaryinspectors.org/US-beekeeping-survey-25-26

09/29/2026

Kick off the CSBA + AHPA Joint Convention with a little friendly competition at Top Golf!
Join fellow beekeepers and industry friends on Monday, November 16 for an afternoon of golf, networking, and fun in Reno.

📅 November 16, 2026
📍 Topgolf Suite | Reno, NV

Bring your swing and come ready to have a great time!
Click here for more info: https://bit.ly/3TErd02

09/25/2026

2026 CSBA + AHPA Joint Convention schedule and speaker presentations are now posted online!

Start planning your time in Reno and explore everything we have in store, from main stage presentations and breakout sessions to industry experts, networking opportunities, special events and more.

📅 November 16–19, 2026
📍 Peppermill Resort Spa Casino | Reno, NV

There’s a lot happening this year, so be sure to check out the full schedule and start building your convention itinerary!

View the full schedule and register: https://bit.ly/3SAc3rP

We can’t wait to see you in Reno!

09/23/2026

Deadlines are coming up for the CSBA (California State Beekeepers Association) + AHPA (American Honey Producers Association) 2026 Joint Convention!

October 1: Early registration ends + sponsor/exhibitor deadline
October 23: Hotel room block deadline, or until rooms are full

Don’t miss your chance to join us November 16–19 in Reno!
Register today: https://bit.ly/46BVAqU

09/22/2026

More forage means stronger, healthier bees.

Honey bees depend on diverse pollen and nectar to stay healthy, build resilience and continue providing the pollination services California agriculture relies on. But habitat loss, urbanization and climate change are making those resources harder to find.

It’s time to make forage a priority. CSBA urges policymakers to support and invest in more pollinator-friendly habitat across farmland, public lands and rights-of-way.

Healthy forage. Healthy bees. A stronger future for California agriculture.

Learn more in the CSBA White Paper. https://bit.ly/4cfHmiM

09/21/2026

TAKE ACTION TODAY! Click the link below to urge Governor Newsom to VETO AB 2646 (Krell) which would increase H-2A wages by 14%.
https://cfbf.quorum.us/campaign/159694/

AB 2646 would impose a 14% increase to the H-2A program in a single year, with automatic annual increases moving forward. The bill applies to both out-of-state H-2A workers and California-based employees performing similar work. This approach risks reducing available hours, limiting earning opportunities, and increasing production costs across the board.

California Farm Bureau Federation

09/17/2026

Beekeeping at a Crossroads: 3 Ways You Can Help Save the Bees

Honey bees are critical to California’s food supply, pollinating the fruits, nuts and vegetables we depend on. But commercial beekeepers are facing significant challenges as they work to keep colonies healthy and alive.

How can you help?
1. Open public lands for bee foraging; Access to large, diverse landscapes can provide commercial honey bees with the nutrition they need to stay strong and resilient.
2. Speed up approval of new tools to fight Varroa mites; Varroa destructor remains the #1 threat to honey bees, making timely access to safe, science-based treatments essential.
3. Buy genuine U.S. honey; Check labels for “California Grown” or “Made in the U.S.A.” to support the beekeepers caring for America’s bees.

Protecting honey bees means supporting the beekeepers who care for them and helping safeguard the food system we all depend on.

👉 Learn more about CSBA’s Beekeeping at a Crossroads initiative and how you can help. https://bit.ly/4zPMUKT

09/02/2026

CSBA White Paper: Scale of Beekeeping in California

California is home to the largest beekeeping industry in the United States and commercial honeybees play an essential role in keeping agriculture moving.

An industry this vital also requires coordination. Through California’s Apiary Protection Act, annual registration, inspections and collaboration among CDFA, County Agricultural Commissioners, industry organizations and beekeepers, we protect apiary health and the crops that depend on commercial pollination.

As California beekeepers navigate rising costs, colony losses, regulatory requirements and the increasing risks associated with pollination services, protecting the strength and sustainability of this industry is more important than ever.

Learn more about the scale, impact and challenges of California beekeeping in CSBA’s white paper: www.californiastatebeekeepers.com/white-paper/

08/26/2026

Great memories, even better connections and we’re ready to do it all again!

Here’s a look back at some moments from past conventions. This November, the beekeeping community comes together once again for the CSBA + AHPA Joint Convention in Reno!

Join us November 16–19 for a week of industry insights, education, networking, special events, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow beekeepers from across the country.

📍 Reno, Nevada
📅 November 16–19, 2026

🎟️ Don’t miss out, register today and join us in Reno: https://bit.ly/3SAc3rP

08/20/2026

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: SB 1305 STOPPED

A positive update for California beekeepers: SB 1305, the “California Grizzly Restoration Act,” will not advance this legislative session after being stopped in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

CSBA formally opposed SB 1305 and submitted a letter outlining concerns about the potential impacts of grizzly bear reintroduction on apiaries, queen breeding, pollination operations, and California agriculture.

California beekeepers already face significant challenges, and CSBA remains committed to advocating on behalf of our members and protecting an industry essential to agricultural pollination and food production.

We will continue monitoring legislation and keeping our members informed on issues that impact California beekeepers.