The importance of bees for our food supply

There are more honey bees than any other type of bee and pollinating insects, so they are the world’s most important pollinator of food crops. It is estimated that no less than one third of all the food we consume mainly relies on pollination by honeybees.

Pollination is the key process in the reproduction of many plants, thus also our fruits and vegetables. The honey bee is a major pollinator of several of our food crops including apples, avocados, cherries, cranberries, sunflowers, watermelon and many more. 

Bees earn their reputation as busy workers by pollinating billions of plants each year, including millions of agricultural crops. In fact, pollinators like bees play a key role in one out of every three bites of food we eat. Without them, many plants we rely on for food would die off.

Honeybees are so essential in crop pollination that some farmers rent them to pollinate their crops. On top of that, honeybees also pollinate clover and alfalfa, which is used to feed cattle, so they are important for the meat and dairy industries as well.

Unfortunately, bee populations around the world are in decline.

Climate change causes some flowers to bloom earlier or later than usual, leaving bees with fewer food sources at the start of the season. Bees suffer habitat loss from development, abandoned farms, and the lack of bee-friendly flowers. Some colonies collapse due to plants and seeds treated with neonicotinoid pesticides, or harmful parasites like mites.

The good news is there are ways gardeners can help bee populations bounce back. Planting a bee-friendly garden or installing a small beehouse will not only lead to healthy and vibrant plants, it will ensure that bees continue to play their critical role in our ecosystem. 

If you enjoyed this blog post or learned something new, you can help spread awareness for bees by sharing it on your facebook page. 

You can help save the bees by having a look at our best selling bee products. Every purchase you make contributes to our cause.