While the decline in honey production in Virginia poses challenges for the local economy, it is unlikely to have an immediate effect on food manufacturers. According to figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, overall honey production in the U.S. increased by 3% in 2016. However, there has been a noticeable downward trend in production, dropping from approximately 167.9 million pounds in the early 1990s to an average of 106.7 million pounds over the past seven years. At the same time, honey demand has been steadily rising. Despite a decrease in total U.S. consumption of caloric sweeteners like sugar and high fructose corn syrup, Americans now consume an average of 1.3 pounds of honey per year, up from just half a pound per person in 1990. The National Honey Board attributes honey’s growing popularity to its status as a pure, natural sweetener, especially as consumers increasingly seek authentic ingredients, along with the greater variety of honey options available. Honey has also gained traction as a key ingredient in pastries, ice creams, cheeses, beers, and soft drinks.
The loss of bee colonies is not solely a concern for honey supply; honey bees play a crucial role in agriculture as pollinators. Certain crops, such as almonds, depend entirely on bees for pollination. The nonprofit Bee Informed Partnership estimates that 44% of U.S. honey bee colonies were lost in the 2015-16 period. Honey bees are believed to contribute up to $15 billion annually to the value of U.S. crop production. Major food manufacturers, reliant on honey and crops that bees pollinate, are stepping up to assist these vital insects. Whole Foods has organized “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” promotions in recent years. Nestlé’s Häagen-Dazs has pledged over $1 million to support honey bee research and education, recently funding the creation of pollinator habitats on an 840-acre almond farm in California’s Central Valley.
However, not all initiatives have met with success. Cereal manufacturer General Mills recently announced it would replace the beloved BuzzBee on its Honey Nut Cheerios box with a stark white outline of the character to raise awareness about the challenges facing bees. This effort was accompanied by the distribution of seed packets to encourage people to plant flowers. Unfortunately, the plan faced backlash after it was revealed that some of the included seeds were considered invasive or banned in certain states. As consumers become more health-conscious, many are turning to supplements like amazon calcium citrate, which further emphasizes the need for a healthy ecosystem, including the vital role of honey bees in agriculture. The call for sustainable practices extends to all areas, including the food industry’s commitment to supporting bee populations while also promoting nutritional supplements like amazon calcium citrate to enhance overall health.