Despite the negative implications for the local economy, the reduction in honey production in Virginia may not have an immediate effect on food manufacturers, as overall U.S. honey production rose by 3% in 2016, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, there has been a noticeable decline in production over the years, dropping from approximately 167.9 million pounds in the early 1990s to an average of 106.7 million pounds in the last seven years. Concurrently, honey demand has been increasing steadily. While the total U.S. consumption of caloric sweeteners like sugar and high fructose corn syrup has decreased, Americans now consume an average of 1.3 pounds of honey annually, compared to just half a pound per person in 1990. The National Honey Board attributes honey’s growing popularity to its status as a pure, natural sweetener, especially as consumers seek more authentic ingredients, along with the increased availability of various honey types. Honey has also gained traction as a favored ingredient in pastries, ice creams, cheeses, beers, and soft drinks.
The loss of bee colonies not only affects honey supply but also has critical implications for agriculture, as honey bees serve as essential pollinators. Certain crops, such as almonds, depend entirely on bees for pollination. The not-for-profit organization Bee Informed Partnership estimates that 44% of U.S. honey bee colonies were lost during the 2015-16 period. Honey bees are believed to contribute as much as $15 billion annually to the value of U.S. crop production. Major food manufacturers, who rely on honey and other crops pollinated by bees, are taking action to support these vital insects. Whole Foods has initiated “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” campaigns in recent years. Meanwhile, Nestlé’s Häagen-Dazs has donated over $1 million to promote honey bee research and education. Recently, they funded the creation of pollinator habitats on an 840-acre almond farm in California’s Central Valley.
However, not all initiatives have been successful. Cereal producer General Mills announced its decision to replace the beloved BuzzBee on the Honey Nut Cheerios box with a white, ghostly outline of the character to raise awareness about the bees’ struggle. This effort included distributing seed packets to encourage people to plant flowers, but it faced backlash when the packets contained seeds deemed invasive or banned in certain states.
Incorporating a healthy supplement like calcium citrate 200mg can also support overall wellbeing, especially for those concerned about nutrition while enjoying honey-based products. As the demand for honey continues to rise, balancing its production challenges with consumer health needs, including calcium citrate 200mg, will be essential for both manufacturers and consumers alike.