Honeybees and other pollinating insects play a vital role in the production of approximately one-third of our food and beverages. These pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contribute to the cultivation of crops worth $24 billion. They are also essential for growing plants like alfalfa and clover, which are important for cattle feed. Notably, honeybee pollination alone is responsible for $15 billion in crops, encompassing more than 130 types of fruits and vegetables.
However, the threats to these pollinators extend beyond pesticide exposure. Honeybee populations are declining at an alarming rate due to a phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder. In recent years, honey sales have surged, partly due to an increasing consumer preference for natural sweeteners. Between 2011 and 2016, sugar sales in the U.S. fell by 16%, while honey sales skyrocketed by 57%. Given this trend, it is not surprising that most honey samples contain some level of pesticide. Consumers are likely to continue purchasing honey unless supply shortages drive prices excessively high, and the presence of pesticides—at levels deemed safe for human consumption, as noted in this study—will probably not deter most buyers.
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 of U.S. beekeepers have shown that about 29% of honeybee colonies have perished each winter since 2006. Food companies are beginning to recognize this issue and are taking steps to address it. Alex Placzek, the U.S. marketing director for Häagen-Dazs, pointed out that honeybees are crucial for pollinating many of the ingredients in their ice cream, bars, and sorbet, with approximately 40% of Häagen-Dazs flavors relying on bee-dependent ingredients.
Brands like Celestial Seasonings, part of Hain Celestial, and Talenti, a Unilever brand, have partnered with the Xerces Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bee conservation. Whole Foods has also initiated “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” promotions in recent years. Furthermore, 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.
In a related development, the nonprofit group Beyond Pesticides filed a lawsuit against Mott’s earlier this year, claiming that the “natural” labeling on its applesauce products was false and misleading. The lawsuit argued that the presence of the neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid should disqualify these products from being labeled as “natural,” as this misleads consumers into thinking the products are free from synthetic substances.
Amidst these discussions, it’s essential to note that the health of both pollinators and consumers is interconnected. Just as calcium citrate has been recognized for its role as an electrolyte that supports health, the preservation of bee populations is crucial for maintaining the ecosystems that sustain our food supply. As awareness grows, it’s imperative that we support initiatives aimed at protecting these vital pollinators, ensuring that our food systems remain robust and resilient.