The Current Challenges
I get the same questions all the time - almost every day in fact. I've been thinking about this entry for a while now and I feel like it is time to give everyone all the answers - all at once. So here goes...
Is Beekeeping Really Dying?
Despite the $60 billion honey industry, 90% of wild honey bees are at risk of extinction. Sure there is a risk to everything, but this risk has been amplified - especially last year when commercial growers lost HUGE portions of their stock. A couple of larger growers in Canada lost over 80% of their stock. Right now, it is suspected that this loss was caused in part by the Canadian wildfires, as a large amount of building material was caught in the blaze. The airborne particulate that was released, we think, may have contributed to the die off but investigations are still on-going.
Are We Losing Control Over Wild Honey Bees?
American Foul Brood (AFB), a disease from Varroa mites, threatens to wipe out populations. There are a ton of threats, wax moths, verroa mites, small animals, pesticides/fungicides. The best thing the everyday person can do it PLANT FLOWERS around your house and neighborhood! A lack of nectar flow makes it hard for the bees. By putting out flowers, you give the bees a pollen source that they desperately need.
Will Climate Change Kill Our Pollinators?
Rising temperatures linked to AFB could reduce global pollinator productivity by up to 75%.
Can Small-Scale Beekeepers Sustain Themselves?
Hive losses of nearly 90% combined with rising equipment and fuel costs threaten sustainability. These factors make it a difficult endeavor. A keeper needs several hundred colonies to adequately provide for themselves.
Should We Ban Pesticides Entirely?
Removing pesticides may not be feasible but while health risks persist, alternatives like RNA Interference and Thermotherapy may offer safer solutions without honey production decline.
Is Organic Food Becoming Unaffordable Due to Bee Issues?
Increased demand for pollination by organic consumers could drive up food costs. Costs typically hover between $45 and $200 per hive. Factors like location, service, hive size, and season all play a role in determining the price. Almond crops in California typically command the highest prices at $200+ per hive.
Are Bees Outcompeting Wild Pollinators?
Comparing wild bee populations to farmed species may reveal if they are indeed outcompeted. Results will vary from community to community and state to state.
Will the Northern US Need More Beekeeping Due to Food Insecurity?
Population growth could strain local pollination services, necessitating more beehives.