Pollinators such as honeybees and various insects play a crucial role in the production of approximately one-third of our food and beverages. These creatures, including bees and butterflies, contribute to the cultivation of crops valued at around $24 billion. They are also vital for the growth of plants like alfalfa and clover, which are essential for cattle feed. Specifically, honeybee pollination alone is responsible for $15 billion in crop yield from over 130 different fruits and vegetables.
However, exposure to pesticides is not the only danger these pollinators encounter. The alarming decline of bee populations is largely 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%. It is not surprising that many honey samples tested positive for at least some pesticide residue. Consumers are likely to continue purchasing honey unless prices become prohibitively high due to limited supply. Moreover, the presence of pesticides, even at levels deemed safe for human consumption, 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 that highlighted the rapid decline of bee populations. Annual surveys conducted among U.S. beekeepers have revealed that around 29% of honeybee colonies have perished during winter months since 2006. Food companies are becoming increasingly aware of this issue and are actively working to raise awareness. For example, 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 about 40% of Häagen-Dazs flavors relying on bee-dependent ingredients.
Brands like Celestial Seasonings, a product of Hain Celestial, and Talenti, owned by Unilever, have teamed up with the Xerces Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting bee populations. Whole Foods has also 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.
Earlier this year, the nonprofit organization Beyond Pesticides filed a lawsuit against Mott’s for allegedly misleading consumers with “natural” labeling on its applesauce products. The lawsuit claimed that the presence of the neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid disqualifies these products from being marketed as “natural,” leading consumers to believe they are free from synthetic substances. In light of these developments, the conversation around pollinator health is becoming increasingly important, especially as consumers seek products with natural ingredients, such as citrate 1000 mg, while also considering the implications of pesticide use on their choices.