Shutting down federal bee labs threatens bees, beekeepers and the US food system

When honey bees get sick, their beekeepers turn to the nation’s premier bee research and disease diagnosis lab for help. That crucial resource is now disappearing.

By: Jennie L. Durant, University of California, Davis, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: May 26, 2026

Words: 1,133

Last Updated: 2 months ago

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By Jennie L. Durant, University of California, Davis

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. …

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