At Nate’s Hives, we believe that the long-term success of the honey industry depends on a fundamental commitment to the science of the hive. As the apiary arm of Sweet Harvest Foods – the leading procurer of honey in the U.S. and the parent company of Nate’s Honey – our mission is to lead with innovation, from the health of honey bees to the final bottle of Nate’s 100% Pure, Raw & Unfiltered Honey on your kitchen table.

We are proud to share our commitment to advancing research for honey, honey bees and beekeepers, and in honor of Earth Day in 2026, we officially announced the recipients of the inaugural Nate’s Hives Research Grant Program. This year, we awarded more than $120,000 in grant funds to visionary researchers whose work addresses the most pressing challenges in agriculture today: overcoming honey bee declines and advancing sustainable beekeeping.

Honey bees contribute more than $18 billion annually to U.S. agriculture. However, with annual colony losses reaching unsustainable levels, the industry requires more than just conventional methods; it requires cutting-edge science. Below are three groundbreaking research proposals selected for the 2026 grant cycle.

Scientific Breakthroughs in Honey Bee Health

Dr. Brandon Shannon and Dr. Geoff Williams of the Bee Center in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University propose a natural but powerful solution to the damage caused by Varroa destructor. While chemical treatments exist, many mites have developed resistance to synthetic products. This research proposal focuses on thymol, a naturally derived organic miticide. By using adjuvants – substances that improve the delivery and effectiveness of the medicine – the team aims to create a more reliable, organic treatment delivered via simple sponge strips.

Dr. Michelle Flenniken and Dr. Lauren Jonas of the Montana State University Pollinator Health Center are working on a solution to the viruses that are often spread by mites via honey bees from hive to hive and can cause wing deformities and mass colony death. This research team is developing a novel immune-stimulatory cocktail by creating a specialized feed supplement that could help beekeepers give their honey a preventative vaccine-like shield, helping honey bees stay strong enough to survive viral outbreaks and produce higher honey yields.

Dr. Brock Harpur of Purdue University is developing the first national genomic prediction service for honey bees, equipping beekeepers with cutting-edge tools to select superior queens based on the most desirable traits. By analyzing the DNA of queens from across the country, they are working to predict which honey bees will be the best at resisting mites and producing honey. Beekeepers will be able to submit a sample and receive a genetic report card for their queens. This allows them to specifically breed survivor bees, leading to a national population that is naturally more resilient to diseases.

Looking Ahead
These brilliant research proposals represent the future of the honey industry. By investing in them, Nate’s Hives helps to ensure that honey bees – and the honey industry and agriculture that depends on them – thrive for generations to come.