Press & Media
Resources for journalists, researchers, and anyone covering pollinator issues
The Apiary Project publishes original research, maintains policy position papers, and tracks ongoing issues in pollinator health and beekeeping across the United States. Our data, analysis, and organizational positions are available for citation by journalists, researchers, policymakers, and educators.
We don't do hot takes. Our positions are built on peer-reviewed research and federal data, updated when new evidence emerges, and transparent about uncertainty. If you're covering pollinator issues and need context, background, or specific data points, this page is your starting point.
Quick Reference: Key Numbers
Frequently cited statistics from our research and analysis, with sources.
Colony Losses
- Annual managed colony losses
- 30-45% nationwide (Bee Informed Partnership, 2015-2025 average)
- Total US managed colonies
- ~2.7 million (USDA NASS, 2024)
- Primary loss driver
- Varroa destructor mite (present in US since 1987)
- First-year beekeeper attrition
- ~50% don't continue past year two
Full analysis: Varroa Crisis & Colony Losses
Habitat & Conservation
- Pollinator habitat lost since 1992
- ~150 million acres (grassland conversion, development)
- CRP enrollment (current vs. peak)
- ~23M acres (2025) vs. 36.8M acres (2007)
- Native bee species in US
- ~4,000 species, population data for fewer than 40%
- Eastern monarch decline
- ~80% since mid-1990s (overwintering area measurement)
Full analysis: Pollinator Habitat Loss
Pesticides
- Neonicotinoid global market share
- ~25% of insecticide market
- EU outdoor neonicotinoid restriction
- 2018 (US has not followed)
- Residential pesticide use
- ~78 million pounds annually (10x per-acre vs. agriculture)
- Neonicotinoid half-life in soil
- 200-1,000+ days depending on compound
Full analysis: Neonicotinoids & Pesticide Policy
Economics & Industry
- Value of bee pollination to US agriculture
- $15-20 billion annually
- Honey fraud rate (grocery shelves)
- Estimated 30-70% adulterated or mislabeled
- Average local honey price vs. grocery
- $8-15/lb local vs. $4-6/lb commodity
- Almond pollination fee (per colony)
- $200-250+ per colony (2025 season)
Full analysis: Honey Fraud & Labeling Standards
Citable Research & Reports
State of American Beekeeping 2025
Nationwide survey of 2,453 beekeeping operations. Colony health trends, equipment adoption, regional challenges, and year-over-year analysis.
Beekeeping Equipment Standards
Independent testing of protective gear, hive components, and extraction equipment across manufacturers and price points.
US Pollinator Conservation
Population data, threat assessment, and evidence-based conservation strategy analysis for managed and wild pollinators across American regions.
Issues We Track
Six active organizational positions on neonicotinoids, habitat loss, honey fraud, varroa, native pollinator decline, and climate impacts. Evidence-cited, regularly updated.
How to Cite Us
News & General Media
According to The Apiary Project, a pollinator research and advocacy organization, annual managed colony losses have averaged 30-45% nationwide over the past decade.
Academic Citation (APA)
The Apiary Project. (2025). State of American Beekeeping Annual Report 2025. https://apiaryproject.com/state-of-beekeeping-annual-report
Our positions and analyses are organizational outputs, not individual opinions. Please cite "The Apiary Project" rather than individual authors. All data points on our issue pages include source attributions - we encourage journalists to verify primary sources and are happy to provide additional context.
Media Inquiries
For press inquiries, interview requests, or data questions, contact us through our general inquiry form. We aim to respond to media requests within 24 hours.
We're available for background briefings on pollinator policy, beekeeping industry economics, colony loss data, and native pollinator conservation. We provide factual context and organizational positions - not individual advice or personal opinions.
Contact Us