By California Department of Food and Agriculture – August 15, 2026 – Picture credit to Alex Wild Honey bees do more than produce honey. Through pollination, they contribute to the production of crops that are an important part of California’s agricultural economy. For National Honey Bee Day, we’re celebrating the honey bees, beekeepers and California agriculture that make it all possible. “Bees and other pollinators are an essential part of California agriculture, supporting the crops we grow and the food we enjoy. Protecting pollinators also reminds us of the important role nature plays in supporting healthy and resilient farms and communities. By embracing nature-based solutions, including creating habitat and forage on working lands, we can support pollinators while strengthening the health and sustainability of California agriculture,” said Secretary Karen Ross. According to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS): 770,000 honey bee colonies were in California as of April 1, 2026. The total value of pollination in Arizona, California and Hawaii reached $364 million in 2025, up 3 percent from 2024. The total value of pollination for almonds increased 5 percent from 2024 to 2025. California apiarists produced 11,025 pounds of honey in 2025, valued at $28.334 million.