PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A dramatic warning from Washington State University (WSU) researchers has raised concern about the future of honey bees in the United States. The scientists report that losses in commercial honey bee colonies could reach an alarming 70% in 2025, marking the most severe decline in over a decade.
Over the past few years, beekeepers and environmentalists have been ringing alarm bells over declining bee populations. However, this year’s projected numbers are particularly stark and may have far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and agriculture alike.
A Steep Decline Unlike Any Other
In a press release, WSU scientists revealed that the honey bee colonies are facing losses well beyond the typical annual range. Historically, average yearly losses have hovered between 30% and 50%, but this year, they may spike as high as 70%.
Dr. Priya Chakrabarti Basu, assistant professor of pollinator health and apiculture at WSU, emphasized the urgency of the situation:
“If we see increasing colony losses, we could see a drop-off in honey production and an increase in the rent growers pay beekeepers to bring pollinators in.”
This steep decline in bee numbers could lead to reduced honey yields, a rise in crop pollination costs, and greater pressure on already struggling beekeepers, many of whom may be forced to shut down operations altogether.
The consequences extend far beyond honey production. Bees are essential to the pollination of numerous fruits, vegetables, and nuts. If colony losses continue at this rate, the entire food supply chain could be affected — from the farms that grow produce to the grocery stores that sell it.
A Complex Web of Causes
While the exact cause of this dramatic decline is not fully known, WSU researchers suggest a combination of stressors that together are pushing bee colonies past their breaking point.
These stressors include:
- Nutritional deficiencies: As urban sprawl and monoculture farming practices expand, bees have fewer diverse food sources.
- Mite infestations: The parasitic Varroa mite continues to plague hives, weakening bees and spreading viruses.
- Diseases: From bacterial infections to fungal threats, bees face a host of illnesses with limited treatment options.
- Pesticide exposure: Even low-level exposure to certain chemicals can disorient bees, impair reproduction, and shorten their lifespans.
Many of these factors have existed for years, but WSU scientists warn that they may now be acting synergistically, compounding one another’s effects and accelerating colony collapse.
Adding to this, unpredictable weather and climate change have disrupted pollination cycles and nectar availability, further stressing bee populations.
“It’s not just one thing—it’s a mix of everything,” says Dr. Basu. “And when multiple stressors hit at once, colonies don’t have a chance to recover.”
Impact on Agriculture and Food Prices
The looming crisis doesn’t just affect beekeepers — it could impact everyone who eats.
Bees and other pollinators are responsible for pollinating more than 35% of the world’s food crops, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This includes many nutrient-rich foods such as apples, almonds, blueberries, squash, and melons.
In the U.S. alone, honey bee pollination supports crops worth nearly $20 billion annually.
With fewer bees available to pollinate these crops, yields could decline, prices could rise, and farmers may need to pay more to rent hives during blooming seasons. In fact, some farmers are already reporting higher pollination costs due to decreased hive availability.
In 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture valued honey production at $350 million, but the economic value of bees goes far beyond honey jars. Bees are a cornerstone of agricultural productivity, and their decline could send shockwaves across global food systems.
“We may just see some beekeepers cease operations completely because it’s too expensive to continue as a business,” says Dr. Basu.
This potential downturn in beekeeping could also impact rural economies and disrupt livelihoods of many small and medium-sized farm operations that rely on honey bee services.
Hope for the Hive: What Can Be Done?
Despite the troubling forecast, researchers and environmental advocates are not giving up. There are several strategies that can help support honey bee health and slow the decline:
- Improved land management: Encouraging pollinator-friendly habitats with wildflowers and diverse crops can help bees find better nutrition.
- Pesticide regulation: Stricter controls and alternative pest management solutions may reduce harmful exposures.
- Breeding resilient bees: Scientists are working to develop honey bee strains that are more resistant to mites and diseases.
- Public education: Raising awareness about the importance of pollinators can lead to more sustainable gardening and farming practices.
At the individual level, people can make a difference by planting pollinator-friendly plants, reducing pesticide use, and supporting local beekeepers by purchasing raw, local honey.
The situation is urgent, but not hopeless. As Dr. Basu puts it,
“Protecting pollinators is not just about saving bees. It’s about preserving the food system, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring future generations can thrive.”
With the right policy changes, public support, and continued research, there’s still time to reverse course and give honey bees a fighting chance.
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