When most people think of bees, they naturally think of honey—nature’s sweet gift. But honey is just the beginning. Bees are a keystone species, crucial to sustaining not just our diets, but our ecosystems and economies. Their importance cannot be overstated: without bees, the intricate balance that supports life as we know it could collapse.
Pollination Powerhouses
Bees, particularly the western honeybee (Apis mellifera), are essential pollinators. In fact, they pollinate more than 75% of flowering plants and nearly 35% of the world’s food crops. This includes essential foods we eat every day—apples, almonds, berries, coffee, and even vegetables like carrots and broccoli. Without bees, our food supply would be severely compromised, affecting food security, health, and global economies.
Supporting Livestock & Human Diets
Bees don’t only affect human food directly—they’re also vital to the livestock industry. Pollination is crucial for growing feed crops like alfalfa, clover, and soybeans, which feed cattle, poultry, and other livestock. So, what we eat, eats thanks to bees. Without their hard work, even meat and dairy production could face dramatic declines.
Guardians of the Environment
The environmental role of bees extends far beyond pollination. Bees help maintain habitats that sustain wildlife—from birds and mammals to countless other insect species. Additionally, the flowering plants they pollinate help prevent soil erosion, improve water quality by reducing nutrient runoff, and capture carbon, helping mitigate climate change.
Studies show that integrating diverse pollinator habitats within monoculture farming significantly enhances honeybee health, offering a balanced diet and protection against environmental stressors. Moreover, these habitats reduce soil erosion, nutrient runoff, and bolster biodiversity, making agricultural systems more sustainable and resilient.
Economic Impacts
The economic value of bee pollination is immense, contributing over $800 billion globally and more than $18 billion annually to U.S. agriculture alone. Bees don’t just help crops grow—they underpin entire agricultural markets and industries. Without them, food prices could rise, and food security would become a significant global issue.
Facing the Crisis
Bees face critical threats: habitat loss, pesticides, parasites, and poor nutrition. Their declining populations signal not just an ecological crisis but a humanitarian one. Protecting bees is about safeguarding our own future.
How You Can Help
We all have a role in protecting these remarkable creatures:
- Plant Pollinator Habitats: Add native plants and wildflowers to your landscapes.
- Reduce Chemical Use: Choose bee-friendly gardening and farming practices.
- Support Sustainable Agriculture: Buy products from farmers who use bee-friendly practices.
Join Us
Save the Bee is dedicated to addressing these threats head-on by partnering with growers, funding critical research, and inspiring the next generation of bee advocates. Aligning your brand or your personal actions with Save the Bee doesn’t just help bees—it ensures our future.
Together, we can protect bees—the keystone species sustaining our world, far beyond honey.
