Southwest Honey Co

Southwest Honey Co. was founded as an initiative to protect and conserve the bee population in Fort Wayne, Indiana. On a global level the bee population is declining; which if left unaddressed, will drastically change the world as we know it because of all the pollinating the honey bees do for our food and food for our animals. We exist to promote true conservation, education of the outdoors and the restoration of wildlife. From our hives we harvest local honey that is sold in support of our apiaries and mission to help the honey bee population. Our beekeeping practices are bee-safe, research based and hives are kept naturally without chemicals or unnatural treatments. We have partnered with local conservation minded organizations to study, report and address the issues surrounding the honey bee. This includes a number of organizations on a local, state and national level. In 2016, Southwest Honey Co. received a grant from the USDAs North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) to study the Symbiotic relationship between farmers, ranchers and honeybees through consumer education. The study will evaluate the direct impact and correlation between education through activity-based educational experiences and the choices consumers make to participate in active conservation of the natural environment in the community and at home. We believe that education is the most effective way to influence and change a communitys perspective on the importance of the honey bee population. In the summer of 2016, the program Explore the Honey Bee began. Over 300 children had the opportunity to experience this educational program. Bees and Tea and Bees and Brew - educational programs offered for adults and seniors, is also a great way for community members to immerse themselves in pollinator education. All three of the educational programs are focused on connecting participants with the environment and ecosystem through the plight of the declining honey bee. These educational experiences include hands-on experiences for children and adults and provide resources to change the future of pollinators. Our organization is made up of volunteers and partners who want to help the honey bee population. We are proud to announce our operation has been brought to life through sponsorships and partnerships with Betterbee, Wheelers Bees (Ossian, IN) and other local, regional and national conservation, honey and/ or beekeeping organizations. We are members of the American Beekeeping Federation, Beekeepers of Indiana Association and Northeastern Indiana Beekeepers Association.