Beekeeper input needed amid widespread honey bee colony losses

Nationwide honey bee colony losses have surged past 50%, raising concerns for the upcoming 2025 almond pollination season, according to data from Project Apis m. and key industry organizations. Some beekeeping operations have reported complete losses, worsening fears about the stability of pollination services critical to U.S. agriculture.

Project Apis m., the American Beekeeping Federation, the American Honey Producers Association and Adee Honey Farms are spearheading efforts to investigate the crisis. These organizations are collecting data, analyzing colony samples and coordinating resources to support beekeepers and ensure stable pollination services.

Beekeepers are encouraged to complete the Project Apis m. Colony Loss Survey 2025 to help assess the scope of the crisis. Additionally, those experiencing losses are advised to submit claims under the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) to secure potential aid.

The Almond Board of California (ABC) acknowledged the severity of the issue in a recent statement, emphasizing its commitment to supporting the beekeeping community. “The Almond Board of California is aware of commercial beekeepers reporting hive losses. The United States Department of Agriculture and beekeeping organizations are working to gather data and assess potential causes,” the statement read. “We take our partnership with the beekeeping industry seriously and are prepared to support with additional resources once we learn more.”

The scale of the current losses has drawn comparisons to past incidents of Colony Collapse Disorder, which devastated bee populations in the late 2000s. The implications extend beyond almond orchards, as honey bees play a crucial role in pollinating a wide range of crops, contributing significantly to global food production.

Industry groups stress the importance of collaborative efforts to identify potential causes, which may include environmental stressors, pathogens, pesticide exposure and other factors. Ongoing bee research and data collection are expected to provide more insights in the coming months.

Beekeepers can download Colony Loss Resources to stay up-to-date on current research and next steps.