Pollinators like honeybees and other insects play a crucial role in the production of approximately one-third of all our food and beverages. Bees, butterflies, and various species contribute to the generation of $24 billion worth of crops. They are also vital for cultivating plants such as alfalfa and clover, which are essential for cattle feed. Specifically, honeybee pollination is responsible for $15 billion in crops across more than 130 fruits and vegetables.
However, exposure to pesticides is not the sole threat these pollinators encounter. The alarming decline in bee populations is primarily attributed to a phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder. In recent years, honey sales have surged, partly due to a rising consumer preference for natural sweeteners. Between 2011 and 2016, U.S. sugar sales fell by 16%, while honey sales skyrocketed by 57%. As a result, it is not surprising that most honey samples contain some level of pesticide. Enthusiasts are likely to continue purchasing honey unless limited supplies push prices too high; the presence of pesticides—at levels deemed safe for human consumption, as noted in this study—will likely not deter most consumers.
Last year, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services published findings from a two-year study highlighting the rapid decline of bee populations. Annual surveys conducted among U.S. beekeepers reveal that about 29% of honeybee colonies have perished during winter months since 2006. Food companies, recognizing this issue, are making efforts to raise awareness. Alex Placzek, the U.S. marketing director for Häagen-Dazs, stated that honeybees pollinate many of the ingredients used in their ice cream, bars, and sorbet, with around 40% of Häagen-Dazs flavors relying on bee-dependent ingredients.
Brands such as Celestial Seasonings from Hain Celestial and Talenti, a Unilever brand, have also collaborated with the Xerces Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bee conservation. Whole Foods has organized “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” campaigns 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.
In related news, the nonprofit group Beyond Pesticides filed a lawsuit against Mott’s earlier this year, claiming that the “natural” labeling on its applesauce products is misleading. The complaint argued that the presence 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 of synthetic substances.
Furthermore, as consumers become more health-conscious, products like solaray calcium magnesium citrate have gained popularity, underscoring the importance of clear labeling and transparency in food products. The same principles apply to honey and its production, where understanding and safeguarding the role of pollinators is essential not only for biodiversity but also for the agricultural ecosystem, including the production of beneficial supplements like solaray calcium magnesium citrate.