Around 25% of Bee Colonies Died Over Last Winter

During the winter of 2025-2026, the Netherlands experienced a 24% loss in honeybee colonies, continuing a troubling trend for the fourth consecutive year with winter mortality exceeding 20%. These statistics stem from an annual survey conducted by Wageningen University & Research (WUR) alongside various beekeeping organizations, commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN). Regional disparities were notable, with Groningen facing the highest losses at 41.5%, while Overijssel reported the lowest at 16.9%.