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https://theconversation.com/shutting-down-federal-bee-labs-threatens-bees-beekeepers-and-the-us-food-system-283358>
"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.
Today, that scientific support system is at risk, just as beekeepers face their
greatest challenges and native bee populations continue to decline."
Via HU Art Sound and Kenny Chaffin.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
