Prince George, B.C.- Genome B.C. has launched a $2.8 million dollar research project to find a way to stop the decline of bees. The announcement was made today at a special conference on bees underway  in Prince George.

The three year project hopes to identify stronger strains of bees that are resistant to a couple of strains of infections that have decimated the bee population.  The decline in bee populations could have an impact on food production as farmers rely on bees to pollinate certain crops.

The main culprit is a mite called the Varroa destructor. It attaches to bee larvae and sucks the blood. When the bee matures, the blood loss leaves it weak and unable to ward off any viruses the mite may be carrying.

The research will hopefully identify the genetic markers that protect some bees from the infections or damage from the mites.