To whom it may concern

The Brighton Bee Club of Colorado strongly opposes the closure of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC). For over a century, BARC has provided beekeepers with essential research on honey bee health, nutrition, genetics, and disease management. Its scientists have led the fight against pests like Varroa mites and pathogens such as American foulbrood—threats that, if left unchecked, can devastate colonies and the livelihoods of beekeepers nationwide.

BARC’s honey bee lab is the only USDA facility dedicated to comprehensive pollinator research at this scale, serving both commercial and hobbyist beekeepers with science-based solutions. The closure would dismantle decades of expertise and disrupt the testing services, diagnostics, and extension resources relied upon by beekeepers in every state.

Pollinators contribute billions to U.S. agriculture annually, underpinning crops from almonds to alfalfa. Losing BARC would weaken the nation’s ability to respond to pollinator health crises, directly threatening food production and agricultural stability.

Rather than close this irreplaceable resource, the USDA should invest in modernizing BARC’s facilities to continue its mission. The Brighton Bee Club urges decision-makers to recognize the critical role BARC plays in sustaining pollinators, agriculture, and the nation’s food security. Closing BARC would be a short-term decision with long-term costs—to science, to farmers, and to the nation’s food security.

Sincerely,

Brighton Bee Club