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Honey Bee In America Essay

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SECTION 3 The environmental change associated with the decline of the honeybee in America has gained much attention in the past decade as scientists and farmers have come to terms with the seriousness of the issue on hand. The importance of the bee has been emphasised and acknowledged as the human race is now forced to deal with a life threatening issue. Economic It is estimated that in North America around 30% of the food humans consume is produced from bee pollinated plant life. The value of pollination by bees is estimated around $16 billion in the US alone. We would be unable to enjoy most of our favorite fruits, vegetables, or nuts without these pollinators. Bees also pollinate crops such as clover and alfalfa that cattle feed on, …show more content…

They must first determine the precise cause of the problem before developing strategies to reverse the bee decline on a sustainable basis. Social Finding a resolution to the bee pollination industry will impact all human living in America equally. Food supplies to all demographic groups will be threatened if a sustainable solution is not found in the near future. There is reinsurance in the fact the solution will most likely not have an affect on human life. Research from various institutions has provided some management recommendations that beekeepers may begin to adopt. For example, it is now recommended that beekeepers feed honeybees more protein during times of nectar shortage such as during times of drought or in the winter. As part of this, the ARS has developed a new bee diet, now available to beekeepers. The feeding of supplemental nutrients may help to decrease winter colony losses. As the environmental change is not well understood, sustainable strategies to address the rate of bee decline have not been developed yet. Whilst President Obama has recently allocated $50m for research into this matter, significantly more funding may be required to address this issue. If a sustainable solution is not found soon, the value of the $15 billion been pollination industry will be threatened, along with the supply of food to the human

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