Honeybees and other pollinating insects play a crucial role in producing approximately one-third of all our food and beverages. These pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contribute to $24 billion worth of crops. They are vital for the growth of plants like alfalfa and clover, which are consumed by cattle. In fact, honeybee pollination alone is responsible for $15 billion in crops derived from over 130 types of fruits and vegetables. However, exposure to pesticides is not the only challenge these vital insects face. Honeybee populations are declining at an alarming rate due to a phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder.
In recent years, honey sales have surged, partly due to a growing preference among consumers for natural sweeteners. Between 2011 and 2016, U.S. sugar sales fell by 16%, while honey sales experienced a remarkable increase of 57%. Consequently, it is not surprising that most honey samples contain some level of pesticide. Consumers are likely to continue purchasing honey unless supply shortages drive prices too high, and the presence of pesticides, at levels deemed safe for human consumption—as noted in various studies—will probably not deter most buyers.
A two-year study released by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services highlighted the rapid decline of bee populations. Annual surveys of U.S. beekeepers indicate that about 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. Alex Placzek, the U.S. marketing director for Häagen-Dazs, mentioned that honeybees pollinate many ingredients used in their ice cream, bars, and sorbets, with approximately 40% of all Häagen-Dazs flavors relying on bee-dependent ingredients.
Brands like Celestial Seasonings from Hain Celestial and Talenti, a Unilever brand, have partnered with the Xerces Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping bees. Whole Foods has initiated events like “Human Bee-In” and promotions like “Give Bees A Chance” in recent years. Additionally, General Mills has collaborated with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Xerces Society in a five-year initiative to restore over 100,000 acres of pollinator habitat by 2021.
Earlier this year, the nonprofit group Beyond Pesticides filed a lawsuit against Mott’s for allegedly misleading labeling of its applesauce products as “natural.” The complaint argued that the presence of neonicotinoid insecticide residues, specifically acetamiprid, should disqualify these products from being labeled as “natural,” as such labeling can mislead consumers into thinking the products are free from synthetic substances.
In light of these challenges, the importance of supporting pollinators cannot be overstated, especially as we continue to rely on their contributions to our food systems. The integration of calcium citrate 2000 in agricultural practices may also hold potential for enhancing soil health and supporting pollinator populations. By prioritizing sustainable practices and protecting these critical insects, we can help ensure the continued availability of food and beverages that depend on them.