Dutch Bee Colonies Face Fourth Consecutive Year of Over 20% Winter Losses
The Netherlands experienced a significant loss of honeybee colonies during the winter of 2025–2026, with 24% of colonies failing to survive. This marks the fourth consecutive year that winter mortality rates have surpassed the 20% threshold, indicating a persistent negative trend for Dutch beekeepers. These findings are derived from the annual survey conducted among beekeepers across the country. The data also revealed considerable regional disparities in colony losses. The province of Groningen reported the highest winter losses, with an alarming 41.5% of its bee colonies perishing. In contrast, the province of Overijssel experienced the lowest losses, at 16.9%.
The recurring high winter mortality rates among Dutch honeybee colonies, exceeding 20% for four consecutive years, highlight a critical challenge for apiculture and broader agricultural ecosystems. This persistent trend suggests that current beekeeping practices and environmental conditions may not be adequately mitigating factors contributing to colony collapse, such as pest infestations, disease prevalence, or the impact of agricultural pesticides and habitat loss. The substantial regional variations in losses, with Groningen experiencing nearly double the national average, warrant further investigation into localized environmental stressors or management techniques. Addressing this systemic issue will require a multi-faceted approach, potentially involving enhanced disease monitoring, support for diverse forage availability, and a critical review of pesticide regulations to ensure the long-term viability of bee populations, which are essential for pollination services and biodiversity.
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