Florida is one of the top states in the country in honey production, with some of the finest quality honey you can find. It's also an important wintering ground for commercial beekeepers up north, with their "snow bees."

In a special reporting collaboration between WUSF News and The Zest Podcast, we're taking a closer look at honey bees over the next several weeks. You can find photos and videos at WUSF.org/honeybees.

This week on Florida Matters, host Robin Sussingham speaks to Dr. Jamie Ellis, Professor of Entomology and director of honey bee research  at the University of Florida. Dr. Ellis and his team conduct research projects in the fields of honey bee husbandry, conservation and ecology, and integrated crop pollination. He also created UF's Master Beekeeper Program.