Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education

Grants And Education To Advance Innovations In Sustainable Agriculture

Project Overview

FNE07-619
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2007: $10,000.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2007
Region: Northeast
State: Rhode Island
Project Leader:
Mark Robar
Trail's End Farm

A method for overwintering and propagating honeybees in the Northeast

Commodities

  • Animals: bees

Practices

  • Animal Production: housing
  • Education and Training: on-farm/ranch research
  • Farm Business Management: feasibility study
  • Pest Management: integrated pest management
  • Sustainable Communities: new business opportunities, sustainability measures

Proposal summary:

Beekeeping in the Northeast is becoming more and more challenging—severe winter weather, diseases, new pests, and the possibility of introducing Africanized bees from southern bee suppliers can increase bee mortality and damage hives. This project will examine the feasibility of using a modified greenhouse as an apiary house to overwinter and propagate bee colonies. Outreach will be through a web site, farm tours, publications, and presentations.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.