To Bee or Not to (Honey) Bee

COVID-19 has exploited the lack of resiliency throughout the food-supply chain.

Coronavirus has threatened food security by restricting the global distribution and importation of honeybees. Honeybees are relied upon as primary pollinators for a variety of crops and the lack of pollinators has hindered the 2020 growing season. Sustainable and reliable food security can not depend on the seasonal importation of an invasive insect.

 Honeybees are a domesticated species unsuited to cool climates. As a result, colonies typically suffer substantial winter-die-off, requiring colonies to be supplemented with imported bees each spring. The alien bees are an aggressive pollinator, out competing native bees for nectar, pollen and land resources.

Honeybees are considered livestock but have been cleverly marketed as an environmentally friendly pollinator in need of protection. Honeybee marketing portrays the invasive bee as an environmentally sustainable, moneymaking opportunity for farmers and producers. 

COVID-19 has exploited a lack of resiliency throughout the food-supply chain. To ensure food security, a balance between ecological and financial motivations must be adopted.

Sustainable agriculture should strive to support both native pollinating insects and honeybee farming.  The mixed approach will provide sustainability and resiliency in a future of uncertainty.