Buzzworthy Trend: Florida’s Bee Colonies Building

Bucking the national trend, Florida’s managed bee colonies have increased by more than 145% in the last eight years, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

It’s been nearly two years since Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam announced a series of recommendations for the long-term coexistence of the state’s citrus growers and beekeepers. The recommendations turned into a voluntary partnership to help ensure the safety of bee hives near citrus groves. The program — and similar programs in other states — are now a part of the Honey Bee and Pollinator Strategy recently released by the White House. The National Strategy to Promote the Health of Honey Bee and Other Pollinators seeks to improve the health of bee colonies across the country.

“It is exciting to see the growth of bee colonies in Florida, with beekeepers and growers working together in Florida to solve common problems,” Putnam said. “We are proud that our state-based efforts have contributed to the national model to improve the health of our nation’s bees.”