This National Honey Bee Day (third Saturday in August), Americans nationwide are rallying to support honey bees—the tiny powerhouses behind one-third of the food on our plates. Launched in 2009 by passionate U.S. beekeepers and officially recognized by the USDA, the day spotlights honey bee conservation, beekeeping education, and pollinator-friendly gardening. Fun fact: To produce one pound of honey, a colony must visit 2 million flowers—that’s 260 million floral trips for every batch of Track 7 Brewing Company’s “Bee Line Honey Blonde Ale!
“National Honey Bee Day unites beekeepers, gardeners, schools, and communities to amplify awareness and action,” explain organizers at Pennsylvania Apiculture Inc., the non-profit guiding the observance since 2010. The free, inclusive program—now permanently set on the third Saturday of August—encourages everyone to plant native wildflowers, skip harmful pesticides, and host local hive tours.
National Honey Bee Day
National Honey Bee Day, observed annually on the third Saturday of August, shines a spotlight on the vital role of honey bees and other pollinators in sustaining global agriculture and ecosystems. Established in 2009 by a small group of beekeepers and formalized through a proclamation by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, the day encourages education, conservation, and appreciation for these industrious insects, which pollinate one-third of the food we eat, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Celebrations across the country include hive tours, honey tastings, beekeeping workshops, and community events aimed at raising awareness about declining bee populations due to habitat loss, pesticides, and disease. By promoting sustainable practices and supporting local beekeepers, National Honey Bee Day fosters a deeper commitment to protecting pollinators, ensuring bountiful harvests and biodiversity for generations to come.