Honeybees and other pollinating insects play a vital role in the production of approximately one-third of all our food and beverages. These crucial pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contribute to the cultivation of $24 billion worth of crops. They are also essential for growing plants like alfalfa and clover, which are significant food sources for cattle. Specifically, honeybee pollination alone is responsible for $15 billion in crops spanning over 130 different fruits and vegetables.
However, exposure to pesticides is not the only challenge these pollinators are encountering. Bees are rapidly declining due to a phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder. In recent years, honey sales have surged, partially due to a growing consumer preference for natural sweeteners. Between 2011 and 2016, U.S. sugar sales fell by 16%, while honey sales increased by an impressive 57%. It is not surprising that many honey samples contain some level of pesticide; however, consumers are likely to continue purchasing honey unless prices rise excessively due to limited supply. The presence of pesticides—at levels deemed safe for human consumption, as noted in a recent study—is unlikely to deter most buyers.
Last year, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services released findings from a two-year study highlighting the rapid decline in bee populations. Annual surveys of U.S. beekeepers have shown that about 29% of honeybee colonies have perished during the winter months since 2006. Aware of this issue, food companies are striving to raise awareness. Alex Placzek, U.S. marketing director for Häagen-Dazs, stated that honeybees pollinate many ingredients used in their ice cream, bars, and sorbet, with approximately 40% of Häagen-Dazs flavors relying on bee-dependent components.
Brands like Celestial Seasonings from Hain Celestial and Talenti, a Unilever brand, have also collaborated with the Xerces Society, a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to supporting bees. Whole Foods has initiated “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” promotions in recent years. Meanwhile, 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 an unrelated legal matter, the nonprofit organization Beyond Pesticides filed a lawsuit against Mott’s earlier this year for allegedly misleading claims regarding the “natural” labeling of its applesauce products. The complaint contended that residues of the neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid should disqualify these products from being labeled as “natural,” as such labeling misleads consumers into believing the products are free from synthetic substances.
As we consider the importance of pollinators, it is also worth noting the benefits of certain nutritional supplements. For instance, the gnc calcium citrate benefits include improved bone health and enhanced calcium absorption, which can be particularly beneficial for those who may not get enough calcium from their diet. The intersection of environmental health and personal well-being underscores the interconnectedness of our choices and the world we inhabit.