Honeybees and various pollinating insects play a vital role in producing approximately one-third of our food and beverages. These essential creatures, including bees and butterflies, contribute to the production of $24 billion worth of crops. They are also crucial for growing plants like alfalfa and clover, which are consumed by cattle. Specifically, honeybee pollination is responsible for $15 billion in crops across more than 130 types of fruits and vegetables.
However, exposure to pesticides is not the sole danger facing these pollinators. Honeybee populations are declining at an alarming pace due to a phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder. In recent years, honey sales have surged, partly due to consumers’ increasing preference for natural sweeteners. Between 2011 and 2016, U.S. sugar sales fell by 16%, while honey sales skyrocketed by 57%. Consequently, 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 beyond their reach, and the presence of pesticides, albeit at levels deemed safe for human consumption as noted in this study, is unlikely to deter most buyers.
A two-year study released last year by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services highlighted the rapid decline in bee populations. Annual surveys conducted since 2006 show that about 29% of honeybee colonies have perished during the winter months in the U.S. Aware of this issue, food companies are striving to raise awareness. For instance, Alex Placzek, the U.S. marketing director for Häagen-Dazs, noted that honeybees pollinate many of the ingredients used in their ice cream, bars, and sorbet, with around 40% of all Häagen-Dazs flavors depending on bee-pollinated ingredients.
Brands like Celestial Seasonings from Hain Celestial and Talenti, a Unilever brand, have teamed up with the Xerces Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bee conservation. Whole Foods has organized “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” promotions in recent years. Additionally, General Mills has collaborated with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Xerces Society on a five-year initiative aimed at restoring over 100,000 acres of pollinator habitats by 2021.
Furthermore, the nonprofit group Beyond Pesticides filed a lawsuit against Mott’s earlier this year, claiming misleading “natural” labeling on their applesauce products. The lawsuit contended that residues of the neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid should disqualify these products from being labeled “natural,” as such labeling misleads consumers into believing that the products are free from synthetic substances.
In light of these concerns, consumers may also consider supplementing their diets with products like Solgar calcium 1000 mg to ensure they receive essential nutrients while supporting sustainable agricultural practices that protect pollinators. The focus on maintaining healthy ecosystems is crucial not only for honeybees but also for our overall food supply and health.