America’s Honey Crisis: Production at Record Lows Despite Surging Demand

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Beekeepers Report Catastrophic Losses (Image Credits: Unsplash)

United States — Beekeepers endured unprecedented colony losses throughout 2025, driving domestic honey production to some of its lowest levels in decades. Consumer appetite for the natural sweetener, however, continued to climb, reaching record consumption figures last year. This mismatch has heightened reliance on imports and raised alarms about long-term food security.

Beekeepers Report Catastrophic Losses

Commercial operations lost an average of 62 percent of their colonies between June 2024 and March 2025, marking the worst year on record.[1][2] Survey respondents estimated more than 1.1 million colonies perished nationwide during that period, with some totals climbing as high as 1.6 million.[2] Hobbyist beekeepers fared slightly better at 50 percent losses, while sideliners averaged 54 percent declines.

These figures reversed typical patterns, where smaller operations usually suffered more. The scale prompted urgent warnings from industry leaders. Zac Browning, a fourth-generation beekeeper and board chairman of Project Apis m., stated, “If we continue to see losses at this rate, we simply won’t be able to sustain current food production.”[2]

Varroa Mites and Other Threats Emerge as Primary Culprits

Varroa mites topped the list of stressors, infesting nearly half of U.S. colonies early in 2024 and resisting common treatments.[3] These parasites feed on bees’ blood and spread deadly viruses, leading to rapid colony collapse. Researchers noted higher incidences in states like South Dakota, Alabama, and Texas.

Other factors compounded the problem. Unusual winter die-offs echoed Colony Collapse Disorder symptoms from nearly two decades ago, though causes remained under investigation, including potential viruses and pesticides.[4] Habitat loss, climate shifts, and prolonged honey flows delayed mite treatments, allowing infestations to escalate. Here are key contributors to the decline:

• Varroa mite resistance to miticides.
• Viral diseases vectored by parasites.
• Habitat destruction from development.
• Extreme weather patterns disrupting forage.
• Pesticide exposure in agricultural areas.

Consumption Booms as Domestic Output Falters

U.S. honey production peaked at 235 million pounds in 1987 but fell to a record low of 125 million pounds in 2022 before a slight rebound to 139 million pounds the following year.[3] Total colonies dwindled from 3.5 million in 1989 to about 2.5 million recently. Meanwhile, annual consumption swelled to 688.6 million pounds in 2024, a 25 percent jump from the prior year and nearly double 1990 levels.[5]

Imports filled the gap, supplying roughly 80 percent of supply, with a record 562 million pounds in 2024 alone.[3] Globally, production dipped from 1.88 million metric tons in 2017 to 1.77 million recently, though the market value exceeded $9 billion in 2025 and projects steady growth.[6]

Ripple Effects Hit Agriculture and Prices

The crisis extended beyond honey shelves. Bees pollinate one-third of U.S. food, supporting $17 billion in crops annually, including California’s almonds that demand nearly all commercial hives each season.[1] Losses already cost the industry over $600 million, factoring in replacement colonies, forgone pollination fees, and reduced harvests.[2]

Beekeepers faced $224.8 million in direct replacement costs, plus hundreds of millions from missed contracts. Consumers may soon notice higher prices for nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Industry veterans described a sense of panic, with one Texas beekeeper noting shortages could disrupt the almond bloom and beyond.[4]

Beekeepers and scientists urge better mite management and habitat protections to avert deeper shortages. The path forward demands swift action to safeguard these vital pollinators.

What measures can reverse this trend? Tell us in the comments.