Bees

As Vermont lawmakers debate whether to ban a class of pesticides known to harm bees, one beekeeper has taken matters into his own hands.

Lawmakers have advanced a bill that would ban the use of seeds treated with neonicotinoid pesticides in Vermont by 2029 and most spraying in 2025.

Vermont lawmakers are looking at legislation to restrict pesticide use this session.

A new report from the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets shows that the number of honey bee colonies in Vermont rose to its highest recorded level in 2023.

Beekeepers lost nearly half of their honeybee colonies last year. Without bees, farmers can't grow the fruits and plants that feed us. So farmers are working harder to get their crops pollinated.

The Vermont Pollinator Working Group is hoping to build on the state's efforts to protect bees and other pollinators.

Global honeybee populations have been declining for many years, due to disease, loss of habitat and poor beekeeping practices. A newly approved vaccine helps fight American Foulbrood disease.

A number of pollinating bees are either endangered or threatened in Vermont, and a group of steelpan drummers wants to bring awareness to the dwindling pollinator populations. As Vermont Public’s Marlon Hyde reports this group is using music that originates from the Caribbean to make a difference.

In this encore rebroadcast, host Mikaela Lefrak looks at the bee population in Vermont, and how everyone from gardeners to beekeepers can help bolster their populations amid a series of threats.

Bee Haven Honey Farm in Worcester has been making Vermont honey for more than 40 years. The farm specializes in producing old-world-style, raw, unfiltered honey and recently won a prestigious industry award.