Honeybees and other pollinating insects play an essential role in the production of approximately one-third of all our food and beverages. These insects, including bees and butterflies, contribute to the cultivation of crops worth $24 billion. They are also vital for growing plants like alfalfa and clover, which are consumed by cattle. Specifically, honeybee pollination alone is responsible for $15 billion in crops, encompassing over 130 types of fruits and vegetables.
However, exposure to pesticides is not the only challenge facing these vital pollinators. A concerning trend known as colony collapse disorder is causing honeybee populations to decline at an alarming rate. In recent years, honey sales have surged, largely due to consumers increasingly favoring natural sweeteners. Between 2011 and 2016, U.S. sugar sales fell by 16%, while honey sales experienced a remarkable increase of 57%.
It’s not surprising that most honey samples contain some level of pesticide. Enthusiasts are likely to continue purchasing it unless limited supplies push prices too high. The presence of pesticides—at levels deemed safe for human consumption, as noted in recent studies—will probably not deter most consumers. Last year, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services released findings from a two-year study revealing the rapid decline of bee populations. Annual surveys conducted among U.S. beekeepers since 2006 indicate that around 29% of honeybee colonies have perished during the winter months.
Food companies are becoming increasingly aware of this issue and are taking steps to raise awareness. Alex Placzek, the U.S. marketing director for Häagen-Dazs, noted that honeybees are responsible for pollinating many ingredients in their ice cream, bars, and sorbet. Approximately 40% of all Häagen-Dazs flavors depend on bee-pollinated ingredients. Other brands, such as Celestial Seasonings from Hain Celestial and Talenti, a Unilever brand, have partnered with the Xerces Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting bees. Whole Foods has also initiated “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” promotions in recent 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.
In a related issue, the nonprofit group Beyond Pesticides filed a lawsuit against Mott’s earlier this year, alleging false and misleading “natural” labeling on its applesauce products. The complaint argued that the presence of the neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid should disqualify these products from being labeled as “natural,” leading consumers to mistakenly believe the products are free from synthetic substances.
As we reflect on these challenges, it’s worth noting the importance of supporting practices that promote pollinator health, just as we might seek out supplements like calcium citrate for sleep to maintain our own well-being. By prioritizing the protection of bees and other pollinators, we can ensure a sustainable future for our food sources.