Project Apis m. has launched the Bee Health Regulatory Consortium to speed up approval of new products for beekeepers. The group aims to cut costs and shorten the years-long regulatory process for tools targeting threats like Varroa mites. Initial progress includes expedited reviews for two products in California.
Project Apis m. began funding applied bee research two decades ago and has since expanded into forage programs and training on issues such as Tropilaelaps. The new consortium responds to beekeeper concerns about slow and costly product pipelines.
Izzy Hill, the organization's new Director of Regulatory Affairs, leads the effort. She previously worked at the EPA and USDA. Hill said the consortium will help businesses navigate approvals so that safe innovations reach beekeepers faster.
Meetings held in California in March with state regulators and the USDA produced early results. Two Varroa mite treatments advanced more quickly than usual. The consortium plans to share expertise across companies and work in both the United States and Canada.