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We certainly do have a bee problem, and it’s probably not what you’re thinking it is.

This year the United States experienced an unprecedented decline in honey bee populations, with projections indicating losses of up to 70% ! This significant drop surpasses the typical annual losses of 40–50% observed over the past decade. The decline is attributed to a combination of factors, including parasites like the varroa mite, diseases, pesticide exposure, habitat loss, etc. ​

Bees are vital pollinators, responsible for the reproduction of approximately 35% of the world’s food crops. In the U.S., honey bees contribute an estimated $15 billion annually to crop production. As someone who gardens, we actively try to attract bees as often as possible, they are so valuable for biodiversity, which helps your garden withstand pests, droughts, and more.

The current situation presents potential economic opportunities for individual beekeepers. Beekeeping can be a profitable venture, providing income through the sale of honey, beeswax, pollen, and other bee products. Additionally, beekeepers can offer pollination services to farmers, a practice that has become increasingly valuable as natural pollinator populations decline. I used to live in a small ranching and farming community, in the early 2010s the beekeeper was making over $100,000 for this service (he had multiple sets of bees he’d lease to farmers!

Moreover, beekeeping supports rural development and poverty alleviation. It requires relatively low initial investment and can enhance livelihoods by providing additional income streams. Organizations like Bees for Development have demonstrated the positive impact of beekeeping on community development and environmental conservation, you can read more here