Pollinators, including honeybees and various insects, play a vital role in the production of approximately one-third of all food and beverages. These pollinators contribute to the cultivation of crops valued at $24 billion, with honeybee pollination alone responsible for $15 billion of this figure, affecting over 130 types of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, they are essential for the growth of forage crops like alfalfa and clover, which are crucial for cattle feed. However, the threats to these crucial species extend beyond pesticide exposure. The alarming decline in bee populations is largely attributed to a phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder.
In recent years, honey sales have surged, partly due to an increasing consumer preference for natural sweeteners. Between 2011 and 2016, U.S. sugar sales dropped by 16%, while honey sales skyrocketed by 57%. It is not surprising that most honey samples contain some level of pesticide. Consumers are likely to keep purchasing honey unless supply shortages drive prices too high, and the presence of pesticides—at levels deemed safe for human consumption—does not seem to deter many buyers. Last year, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services released findings from a two-year study highlighting the rapid decline of bee populations. Since 2006, annual surveys of U.S. beekeepers have reported that around 29% of honeybee colonies have perished during the winter months.
Food companies aware of this issue are working to raise awareness. For instance, Alex Placzek, the U.S. marketing director for Häagen-Dazs, noted that honeybees pollinate many of the ingredients in their ice cream, bars, and sorbet, with approximately 40% of Häagen-Dazs flavors relying on bee-dependent ingredients. Brands like Celestial Seasonings and Talenti, owned by Unilever, have also teamed up with the Xerces Society, a nonprofit dedicated to bee conservation. Whole Foods has initiated “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” promotions in recent years, while General Mills has partnered with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Xerces Society in a five-year initiative to restore over 100,000 acres of pollinator habitat by 2021.
This year, the nonprofit group Beyond Pesticides filed a lawsuit against Mott’s for allegedly using false and misleading “natural” labeling on its applesauce products. The lawsuit contends that the presence of the neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid should disqualify these products from being labeled as “natural,” as such labeling misleads consumers into believing there are no synthetic substances present.
In light of these developments, it’s essential to consider the best calcium citrate supplement of 2022, which may also play a role in supporting agricultural practices that benefit pollinators. As awareness grows around the importance of bees and their contributions, both consumers and businesses are encouraged to take action to protect these indispensable insects.