Sweet Harvest Foods Accepting Applications for Second Annual Nate’s Hives Research Grant Program

Following a successful inaugural year, the Nate’s Hives Research Grant Program continues its investment in honey bee health, sustainable beekeeping and industry innovation

CANNON FALLS, Minn. — September 1, 2026 — Sweet Harvest Foods, the largest producer of raw, unfiltered honey and parent company of Nate’s Hives, today announced the launch of the Second Annual Nate’s Hives Research Grant Program, continuing its commitment to advancing the long-term success of the honey industry through science, innovation and collaboration.

After a successful inaugural year that drew more than 30 applications from research institutions across the country, the program will again provide up to $100,000 in annual funding for projects focused on honey bee health, sustainable beekeeping practices, pollination and innovation across the honey supply chain. Proposals may be submitted by academic institutions, nonprofit organizations and industry researchers, with funding available for projects up to three years in duration.

“The strong response to our inaugural research grant program underscored the important role research plays in advancing honey bee health and sustainable beekeeping,” said Michael Carle, CEO of Sweet Harvest Foods and President of Nate’s Honey. “We’re proud to continue investing in research projects that can help drive innovation, strengthen the beekeeping industry and support a more resilient agricultural ecosystem.”

The inaugural Nate’s Hives Research Grant Program awarded grants to three innovative projects. Auburn University researchers are developing improved treatments to help control Varroa mites, a leading cause of honey bee colony losses. Montana State University researchers are evaluating an immune-stimulating formulation designed to reduce virus infection levels and improve honey bee survival. Purdue University researchers are establishing the first public genomic prediction service to help beekeepers identify and select healthier, more resilient queen bees. The research projects range in duration from 12 months to 36 months, and results will be shared following their completion.

“The research supported through our grant program reflects the kind of practical, science-driven innovation we’re proud to champion,” said Matt Halbgewachs, president of Nate’s Hives. “As beekeepers, we see firsthand the challenges honey bees and their caretakers face and the importance of continuously improving and advancing beekeeping tools and practices. We’re excited to support the next group of researchers whose work can help strengthen honey bee health and advance sustainable beekeeping.”

For more information about Nate’s Hives and the Nate’s Hives Research Grant Program, visit https://nateshives.com/research-grant/.

About Sweet Harvest Foods
We believe in making life a little sweeter. As the leading procurer of honey in the U.S., Sweet Harvest Foods provides the highest-quality ingredients for some of the most iconic brands and beloved products. That’s a serious responsibility, which is why we keep innovating and setting higher standards in quality, taste and reliability. Sweet Harvest Foods is bolstered by its ownership of Nate’s Honey, the number-one branded honey, and Nate’s Hives, the largest beekeeper in the U.S. Join us on our mission to lead the honey industry by innovating from the hive to beyond the kitchen. For more information, visit www.sweetharvestfoods.com.

About Nate’s Hives
At Nate’s Hives, our mission is to provide the highest-quality, best-tasting raw honey to as many people as possible. As the largest beekeeper in the U.S., we cultivate more than 6 billion honey bees and 120,000 honey bee colonies with the utmost care through sustainable and responsible practices. Our honey bees thrive, and you can taste the result — raw, high-quality honey, made without any chemicals or added ingredients. That honey goes straight from our hives to your favorite grocery stores, restaurants and honey-sweetened products. For more information, visit www.nateshives.com.

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