Organic Beekeeping Matches Chemical Methods in Productivity and Bee Health
A study led by Penn State entomologists found that organic beekeeping management is sustainable and supports high honey-bee survival and honey production, while avoiding the use of synthetic pesticides to control pests and pathogens inside the hive. The study compared the performance of honey bees under three types of management systems and showed that organic and conventional management systems both increased winter survival by more than 180% compared to chemical-free management. Organic and conventional management also increased total honey production across three years by 118% and 102%, respectively.