18/03/2025
Did you know that honeybees (Apis mellifera) are responsible for pollinating nearly 80% of all flowering crops, including almonds, apples, blueberries, and pumpkins? Their pollination services contribute over $20 billion annually to U.S. agriculture.
But here’s something surprising, honeybees aren’t native to North America. They were introduced by European settlers in the 1600s, yet they have become a keystone species in modern agriculture. Unlike native pollinators, managed honeybee colonies can be transported across the country, ensuring large-scale pollination for crops that rely on them.
Without honeybees, entire food chains would be disrupted. Many plants would struggle to reproduce, reducing the availability of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Even livestock feed, like alfalfa and clover, depends on pollination, making honeybees crucial to meat and dairy production as well.
To protect honeybee populations:
✅ Support local beekeepers who practice sustainable beekeeping
✅ Plant pollinator-friendly flowers in your yard
✅ Avoid neonicotinoid pesticides, which impair bee navigation and reproduction
