Should You Care About the Bees?
Honey bees are big business. They’re worth about $15 billion in the United States and are responsible for pollinating more than 90 varieties of fruits and vegetables worldwide, especially almonds, apples and blueberries, according to Congressional testimony.
But an ailment is threatening their existence, and researchers haven’t determined the exact cause. There are plenty of theories, ranging from mite infestations, exposure to chemical pesticides, poor nutrition, bad weather, or perhaps a combination of factors.
It’s a domino effect: Once a beekeeper experiences significant losses, farmers who use their pollination services will most likely pick up the extra cost, which could be passed on to the consumer.
Third-generation almond grower Paul Wenger of Modesto, California-based Wenger Ranch says he used to pay about $35 to $40 for a hive to pollinate his almonds. But today, he says hives cost anywhere from $120 to $150, forcing him to cut back on the number of hives he uses per acre, risking a weaker bloom.
Bruce Boynton, CEO of the National Honey Board, agrees that consumers shouldn’t be too worried about the price of honey increasing just yet.
“We haven’t seen an extreme change in prices, and that’s largely due to the fact that in the U.S., more than half the honey consumed is imported from China and Argentina,” he says. “It’s a world-supply situation, not only affected by things like CCD, but weather conditions and the world market.”
While researchers look for answers, beekeepers and business owners who rely on their services will have to wait and see what this fall will bring.
But if Colony Collapse Disorder combines with poor weather conditions, like drought, next year’s winter losses could find more beekeepers out of work and some businesses scrambling.
Photo by MSDesigns.
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