Honeybees and other pollinating insects play a crucial role in the production of approximately one-third of our food and beverages. These vital creatures, including bees and butterflies, contribute to the generation of $24 billion worth of crops. They are also essential for the growth of plants like alfalfa and clover, which are consumed by livestock. In fact, honeybee pollination alone is responsible for $15 billion in crops sourced from over 130 varieties of fruits and vegetables.
However, exposure to pesticides is not the sole danger facing these pollinators. The alarming phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder is causing honeybee populations to decline at an unprecedented rate. In recent years, honey sales have surged, partly due to consumers’ increasing preference for natural sweeteners. Between 2011 and 2016, U.S. sugar sales fell by 16%, while honey sales skyrocketed by 57%. Consequently, it is not surprising that most honey samples test positive for some level of pesticide. Despite this, consumers are likely to continue purchasing honey unless supply shortages push the prices to unaffordable levels. The presence of pesticides—at levels deemed safe for human consumption, as noted in various studies—is unlikely to deter most buyers.
Last year, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services published the findings of a two-year study highlighting the rapid decline in bee populations. Annual surveys conducted among U.S. beekeepers have shown that around 29% of honeybee colonies have perished during winter months since 2006. In response to this troubling issue, food companies are making efforts to raise awareness. For instance, Alex Placzek, U.S. marketing director for Häagen-Dazs, noted that honeybees are responsible for pollinating many ingredients used in their ice cream, bars, and sorbets, with about 40% of Häagen-Dazs flavors relying on bee-dependent components.
Brands like Celestial Seasonings from Hain Celestial and Talenti, a Unilever brand, have joined forces with the Xerces Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting bee populations. Whole Foods has organized “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” promotions in recent years. General Mills has also collaborated 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 legal matter, the nonprofit group Beyond Pesticides filed a lawsuit against Mott’s earlier this year, claiming false and misleading “natural” labeling on its applesauce products. The lawsuit contends that the presence of residues from the neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid should prohibit these products from being labeled as “natural,” as such labeling misleads consumers into believing that the products are free from synthetic substances.
In the context of health and nutrition, it is essential to consider products like the best quality calcium citrate supplement, which can contribute to overall well-being. This supplement is vital for those looking to maintain strong bones, especially in an environment where pollinators, essential for growing many food sources, are at risk. The importance of supporting pollinators extends beyond just honey; it impacts the quality of many products, including those fortified with the best quality calcium citrate supplement. As we strive to protect these vital insects, we also safeguard the future of our food supply and the nutritional quality of the products we consume.