Honey bees play an enormous role in California’s agricultural industry, contributing to crops like almonds, cherries, and melons. Every year, more than 2.5 million bee hives are needed to cross-pollinate the state’s almond crop alone.
Disease, pests, and climate change have threatened honey bee pollinations, though, putting the entire industry at risk. That’s why we’re happy to see new opportunities like Nate’s Hives Research Grant Program. Overseen by Sweet Harvest Foods — the nation’s largest producer of raw honey, with production facilities in Minnesota and San Bernardino, California — the program provides annual grants of $100,000 to research projects that “strengthen honey bee health, improve sustainable beekeeping practices, and drive innovation in pollination practices and across the honey supply chain.” Projects are funded on a three-year basis, and a variety of applicants — including “academic institutions, nonprofit organizations and industry researchers” — are welcome to submit proposals.
Applications must be turned in by March 1, 2026, with grant awards being announced on April 15, 2026. If you’d like to apply, Nate’s Hives ask that you focus on areas like bee health, beekeeping sustainability, impacts on the environment, innovations to the honey bee supply chain, and production economics. More information can be found here.
Across California, multiple programs are offered every year to help support the long-term success of American’s honey bee industry. These programs include Seeds For Bees, which we highlighted in May. Seeds For Bees recently wrapped up its own application period and will begin accepting new proposals in April 2026. Meanwhile, our Fruit Growers team is just a phone call away, ready to speak with you about cover crops, weed suppression, and other pollinator-friendly practices. Give us a ring anytime, or stop by one of our supply centers to talk about a plan that will benefit not only your growing operation, but also any honey bees in the area.