Are you aware that the diversity of our crops lies mostly dependent on pollinators? These pollinators mostly being honey bees and even butterflies.
It turns out that literally one-third of our diet directly relies on insect-pollinated plants. Back in 1976 a retired agriculturalist by the name of S.E. Mcgregor wrote a paper about this and how the value of pollination lies in its effect on quality and efficiency of the crop.
Mcgregor said to growers that:
‘‘Without his pollinating agents, chief among which are the honey bees, to transfer the pollen from the stamens to the pistil of the blooms, his crop may fail.’’
We are now having to deal with what is called colony collapse disorder. This is something well known to the people who care about the future of our food supply. Bee populations are dying off at an extremely quick rate. This is not only happening to the bees though as it turns out many butterfly species are dying off as well including monarchs. They are becoming endangered.
What is colony collapse disorder?
Colony collapse disorder is when bees simply don’t return to their hives or even die unexpectedly in their hives. This has been happening in a very large number all across North America. We believe this is happening because of pesticide use since one of the most popular pesticides (Neonicotinoids) are extremely toxic to bees and many other types of pollinators.
These pesticides are used heavily in the United States and this is a growing issue. In many places where these pesticides are banned, it seems these bees are making a resurgence. Meaning, the pesticides are to blame. Please watch the videos below closely.