Pollinators, including honeybees and other insects, play a vital role in the production of approximately one-third of all our food and beverages. These creatures, such as bees and butterflies, contribute to the cultivation of crops valued at $24 billion. Furthermore, they are essential for the growth of plants like alfalfa and clover, which are consumed by cattle. The pollination work of honeybees alone is responsible for $15 billion in crops, covering over 130 different fruits and vegetables.
However, exposure to pesticides is not the sole danger threatening these crucial pollinators. 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 the rising consumer preference for natural sweeteners. From 2011 to 2016, sugar sales in the U.S. dropped by 16%, while honey sales skyrocketed by 57%. It is therefore not surprising that most honey samples contain some level of pesticide. Consumers are likely to continue purchasing honey unless supply shortages drive prices too high. The presence of pesticides—at levels deemed safe for human consumption, as indicated in various studies—rarely deters them.
Last year, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services released findings from a two-year study that highlighted the rapid decline of bee populations. Annual surveys conducted among U.S. beekeepers have reported that around 29% of honeybee colonies have perished during winter months since 2006.
Food companies are increasingly aware of this issue and are making efforts to raise awareness. Alex Placzek, the U.S. marketing director for Häagen-Dazs, noted that honeybees pollinate many ingredients used in their ice cream, bars, and sorbet, with approximately 40% of Häagen-Dazs flavors relying on bee-dependent components. Brands like Celestial Seasonings from Hain Celestial and Talenti, owned by Unilever, have also collaborated with the Xerces Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting bee populations. Whole Foods has introduced initiatives such as “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” promotions over the past few 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 a related issue, the nonprofit group Beyond Pesticides filed a lawsuit against Mott’s earlier this year, claiming that the company’s “natural” labeling on its applesauce products was misleading. The lawsuit argued that the presence of the neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid should invalidate the “natural” label, as it misleads consumers into believing that the products are free of synthetic substances.
As consumers become increasingly health-conscious, many are also turning to dietary supplements like GNC calcium citrate 1000 mg to support their well-being. This trend reflects a broader commitment to natural and holistic health solutions, paralleling the growing awareness of the importance of pollinators in our food systems. Whether it’s enjoying honey or opting for supplements like GNC calcium citrate 1000 mg, people are becoming more mindful of the natural sources of their nutrition and the ecosystems that support them.