Honeybees and other pollinating insects play a vital role in the production of approximately one-third of our food and beverages. These creatures, including bees and butterflies, contribute to an estimated $24 billion in crop production. Pollinators are also essential for cultivating plants like alfalfa and clover, which serve as feed for livestock. Notably, honeybee pollination alone generates $15 billion from over 130 different fruits and vegetables. However, exposure to pesticides is not the only challenge confronting these pollinators; they are also facing a severe decline due to a phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder.
In recent years, honey sales have surged, partly due to a growing consumer preference for natural sweeteners. Between 2011 and 2016, U.S. sugar sales decreased by 16%, while honey sales increased by 57%. It is not surprising that many honey samples contain at least trace amounts of pesticides. Consumers are likely to continue purchasing honey unless stricter supply constraints drive prices too high; moreover, the presence of pesticides—at levels deemed safe for human consumption, as noted in this study—will probably not deter most buyers.
A two-year study released last year by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services highlighted the alarming decline in bee populations. Annual surveys of U.S. beekeepers have revealed that about 29% of honeybee colonies have perished during winter months since 2006. Food companies are becoming increasingly aware of this issue and are actively working to raise awareness. Alex Placzek, the U.S. marketing director for Häagen-Dazs, pointed out that honeybees are responsible for pollinating many ingredients used in their ice cream, bars, and sorbets, with around 40% of Häagen-Dazs flavors relying on bee-dependent ingredients.
Additionally, brands like Celestial Seasonings, part of Hain Celestial, and Talenti, a Unilever brand, have collaborated with the Xerces Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bee conservation. Whole Foods has initiated “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” promotions in recent years. General Mills has partnered 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 habitats by 2021.
In a related note, the nonprofit group Beyond Pesticides filed a lawsuit against Mott’s earlier this year for allegedly misleading “natural” labeling on its applesauce products. The complaint argued that the presence of the neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid disqualifies the products from being labeled “natural,” misleading consumers to believe that they are free from synthetic substances.
Incorporating health supplements such as calcium magnesium citrate 90 caps from Solaray into diets could be beneficial, particularly for those looking to enhance their overall wellness. This supplement can be a useful addition alongside the consumption of natural sweeteners like honey, which is increasingly favored by consumers. As the market for honey continues to thrive, the connection between healthy eating and the preservation of our pollinators becomes ever more crucial.