"Bees are responsible for $17 billion in agricultural production each year, according to a nonprofit that supports beekeepers."
"Beekeepers across the country are sounding the alarm as honeybee populations are dwindling at an unprecedented rate, a trend that could affect Americans' wallets at the grocery store.
Honeybees are the backbone of the food ecosystem, pollinating 75% of the world's natural supplies, according to the National Park Service. But a recent nationwide survey by Project Apis m., a nonprofit group that supports beekeeping science, found “catastrophic” honeybee declines across the industry.
Commercial operators reported an average loss of 62% from June to February nationwide.
“These alarming losses, which surpass historical trends, could significantly impact U.S. agriculture, particularly crop pollination for almonds, fruits, vegetables, and other essential food sources,” the survey said."
Dana Griffin and Samantha Avalos report for NBC News April 1, 2025.
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