Pollinators, including honeybees and various other insects, play an essential role in the production of approximately one-third of all our food and beverages. These creatures, such as bees and butterflies, contribute to the cultivation of crops worth $24 billion, with honeybee pollination alone responsible for $15 billion from over 130 different fruits and vegetables. In addition, pollinators are crucial for the growth of plants like alfalfa and clover, which are vital for cattle feed.
However, exposure to pesticides is not the only peril facing these important insects. A troubling phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder has led to a rapid decline in bee populations. Despite this, honey sales have surged in recent years, driven in part by a rising consumer preference for natural sweeteners. Between 2011 and 2016, U.S. sugar sales plummeted by 16%, while honey sales skyrocketed by 57%. Given this trend, it’s not surprising that most honey samples contain at least some pesticide residues. Most consumers are likely to continue purchasing honey unless prices rise too steeply due to limited supplies. The presence of pesticides is unlikely to deter many buyers, particularly when they are at levels deemed safe for human consumption, as highlighted in this study.
Last year, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services published findings from a two-year study that illustrated the rapid decline in bee populations. Annual surveys conducted by U.S. beekeepers have revealed that about 29% of honeybee colonies have perished during the winter months since 2006. In response to this alarming issue, food companies are taking action to raise awareness. Alex Placzek, the U.S. marketing director for Häagen-Dazs, noted that honeybees pollinate many ingredients used in their ice cream, bars, and sorbets, with approximately 40% of Häagen-Dazs flavors relying on bee-dependent ingredients.
Several brands, including Celestial Seasonings from Hain Celestial and Talenti, a Unilever brand, have partnered with the Xerces Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping protect bees. Whole Foods has also initiated “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” promotions in recent years. Furthermore, General Mills has collaborated with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Xerces Society on a five-year initiative aimed at restoring over 100,000 acres of pollinator habitat by 2021.
In a related matter, the nonprofit group Beyond Pesticides filed a lawsuit against Mott’s earlier this year, claiming that the company’s “natural” labeling on its applesauce products was false and misleading. The complaint argued that traces of the neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid should disqualify these products from being labeled as “natural,” misleading consumers into believing that they do not contain synthetic substances. This highlights the simple truth about the intersection of food production and the health of our ecosystems: we must prioritize sustainable practices to protect both our food sources and the pollinators that make them possible. By acknowledging the simple truth of the situation, we can work towards solutions that benefit both consumers and nature.