Close up of an almond flower.
Every year millions of honey bee colonies are transported to the almonds in California.
Almond trees in full bloom.
Research colonies in the almonds.
USDA-ARS scientist from the lab routinely have experiments with honey bee colonies in the almonds.
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Pollinator decline is a critical issue affecting U.S. and global production of healthy foods. Honey bee colony losses have dramatically increased in recent years and have compromised the capacity of the commercial beekeeping industry to meet demand for agricultural pollination services. Pollination adds $15 billion to crop value in the U.S. annually.
Scientists at the USDA-ARS Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics & Physiology Laboratory in Baton Rouge, LA are addressing honey bee health issues by breeding honey bee stocks with improved resilience and resistance to pests, pathogens, and environmental toxins. Development of improved, healthy, and productive honey bee stocks will help mitigate the effects of disease and climate change, improving the food supply at local, national and global levels.
