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US Honey Production Faces Crisis Amid Bee Population Decline
US honey production is in a sticky situation
Image: The Week
The United States is experiencing a significant decline in honey production due to severe losses in bee populations, primarily caused by disease and budget cuts. As honey demand rises, imports are surging to fill the gap, while government plans to close vital research centers threaten further bee health.
- 01From June 2024 to March 2025, the U.S. lost 1.6 million honeybee colonies, with commercial beekeepers facing an average loss of 62%.
- 02The varroa destructor mite has been a major factor in colony losses, with over 60% of deceased colonies infected by resistant mites.
- 03The USDA plans to close the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, crucial for bee research, citing $500 million in maintenance costs.
- 04Experts argue that the center's annual cost of $3.2 million is justified given its role in addressing significant bee health issues.
- 05Near-record honey imports from countries like India and Argentina are increasing as domestic production declines.
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Honey production in the United States is in jeopardy due to alarming declines in bee populations, with the USDA reporting a loss of 1.6 million colonies between June 2024 and March 2025. This represents an average loss of 62% for commercial beekeepers, largely attributed to the varroa destructor mite, which has devastated hives since the late 1980s. The demand for honey has surged, driven by its perception as a 'superfood,' yet domestic production is plummeting, leading to increased imports from countries like India, Argentina, Brazil, and Vietnam. Compounding these issues, the USDA's plan to close the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, a key facility for bee research, poses further risks to bee health. Experts highlight that the center's closure, justified by high maintenance costs, undermines efforts to combat bee diseases and could exacerbate the honey crisis. The honey industry faces unprecedented challenges in maintaining healthy bee populations, which are essential for both honey production and agricultural pollination.
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The decline in honey production could affect local economies reliant on beekeeping and agriculture.
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