1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Shutting down federal bee labs threatens bees, beekeepers and the US food system. USDA’s bee researchers have served beekeepers for over 130 years. Closing the lab could cost beekeepers, farmers and consumers far more than what is saved by closing this facility. When beekeepers lose nearly half their operations, they often need to charge farmers more for pollination services to stay afloat. Those added costs can ripple through the food system. These labs help stabilize the nation’s food system. A crucial scientific support system is at risk, just as beekeepers face their greatest challenges and native bee populations continue to decline. Please help keep these crucial labs open and fully operating.