Honey Bee Crisis

Approximately 80% of all insect pollination is accomplished by honey bees.

“An alarming die-off of honey bees has beekeepers fighting for commercial survival and crop growers wondering whether bees will be available to pollinate their crops this spring and summer…” The losses were called “unprecedented” by Penn State Agriculture Extension Associate, Mary Ann Frazier

"It’s hard for many to imagine how something as small and pesky as a honey bee could play such an important role in global food supply, but it does. Since the decline of insect pollinators fits into an emerging global pattern of insect pollinator decline, shouldn't the current US honey bee crisis be investigated from a wider world view?"

"The year 2006 passed seemingly without incident relating to honey bees and I breathed a sigh of relief. Why is it worrisome when bees die by the thousands? Three words: global food supply. The lowly honey bee is required for the pollination of a wide range of plants, affecting everything from clover (think cows) to fruits to vegetable seeds. Honey bee-pollinated crops represent more than $15 billion annually to the economy. That does not even take into consideration indirectly affected items, such as beef, milk, cheese, wild animals, or birds."

Sally Francis. The Honey Bee Crisis of 2007. @ Suite101.com