Pollinating insects, such as honeybees, are essential for the production of approximately one-third of all our food and beverages. Species like bees and butterflies contribute to the cultivation of crops worth $24 billion. Additionally, pollinators play a crucial role in growing plants like alfalfa and clover, which are vital for cattle feed. Specifically, honeybee pollination is responsible for generating $15 billion in crops from over 130 different fruits and vegetables.
However, exposure to pesticides is not the only challenge these pollinators encounter. Honeybee populations are declining rapidly due to a phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder. In recent years, honey sales have surged, partly because consumers are increasingly favoring natural sweeteners. Between 2011 and 2016, U.S. sugar sales saw a drop of 16%, while honey sales skyrocketed by 57%. It’s not surprising that most honey samples contain some pesticide residues. Consumers are likely to keep purchasing honey unless limited supplies drive prices too high. Moreover, the presence of pesticides—at least at levels deemed safe for human consumption, as noted in this 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 indicate that around 29% of honeybee colonies have perished during the winter since 2006. Food companies that recognize the issue are striving to raise awareness. Alex Placzek, U.S. marketing director for Häagen-Dazs, mentioned that honeybees pollinate many ingredients used in their ice cream, bars, and sorbet, with about 40% of Häagen-Dazs flavors relying on bee-dependent ingredients.
Brands like Celestial Seasonings from Hain Celestial and Talenti, a Unilever brand, have also collaborated with the Xerces Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting bee populations. Whole Foods has initiated “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” promotions in recent years. Additionally, General Mills has partnered 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 habitat by 2021.
Moreover, the nonprofit organization Beyond Pesticides filed a lawsuit against Mott’s earlier this year for allegedly misleading “natural” labeling on its applesauce products. The complaint asserted that residues of the neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid disqualify these products from being labeled as “natural” and that such labeling misleads consumers into thinking the products lack synthetic substances.
In the midst of these challenges, products like Citracal Plus can provide essential nutrients for maintaining good health, which is particularly important as we strive to support both our well-being and the environment. As we continue to embrace natural options, the importance of protecting pollinators like honeybees cannot be overstated, especially since they are integral to the growth of many crops, including those that may eventually be paired with supplements like Citracal Plus.