Honeybees and other pollinating insects play a vital role in producing approximately one-third of all food and beverages we consume. These pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contribute to the cultivation of crops worth $24 billion. Moreover, they are essential for the growth of forage plants like alfalfa and clover, which are crucial for cattle feed. The pollination provided by honeybees alone generates $15 billion from over 130 different fruits and vegetables.
However, exposure to pesticides is not the only risk these pollinators encounter. Honeybee populations are declining at an alarming rate due to a phenomenon called colony collapse disorder. In recent years, honey sales have surged, partly due to a rising consumer preference for natural sweeteners. From 2011 to 2016, U.S. sugar sales dropped by 16%, while honey sales skyrocketed by 57%. It is not surprising that most honey samples contain traces of pesticides. Consumers are likely to continue purchasing honey unless supply shortages push prices too high. The presence of pesticides—at levels deemed safe for human consumption, as noted in certain studies—is unlikely to deter most buyers.
Last year, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services released findings from a two-year study that highlighted the rapid decline of bee populations. Annual surveys conducted among U.S. beekeepers have shown that approximately 29% of honeybee colonies have perished during winter months since 2006. Food companies are becoming increasingly aware of this issue and are working to raise awareness. For instance, Alex Placzek, U.S. marketing director for Häagen-Dazs, mentioned that honeybees are responsible for pollinating many of the ingredients used in their ice cream, bars, and sorbet. About 40% of Häagen-Dazs flavors rely on ingredients that depend on bee pollination.
Brands like Celestial Seasonings from Hain Celestial and Talenti, a Unilever brand, have also collaborated with the Xerces Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bee conservation. Whole Foods has organized “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” promotions over the past few years. Additionally, General Mills has teamed up with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Xerces Society in a five-year initiative aimed at restoring over 100,000 acres of pollinator habitats by 2021.
Earlier this year, the nonprofit organization Beyond Pesticides filed a lawsuit against Mott’s, claiming that the labeling of its applesauce products as “natural” was false and misleading. The complaint argued that the presence of residues from the neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid should disqualify these products from being labeled as “natural,” as this misleads consumers into believing that the products are free from synthetic substances.
In this context, it is worth noting the importance of nutrients like calcium citrate 650 mg in our diets, which can help support overall health, including the health of ecosystems that sustain pollinators. Promoting awareness about the role of honeybees and the importance of responsible agricultural practices can contribute to both sustainable food production and the preservation of these essential insects.