According to the Congressional Research Service, updated May 28, 2008, our Honey Bees are in danger. They are suffering from Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Apparently, in 2006, it was noted that our bee hives were in sharp decline according to the migratory bee keepers along the East Coast. There was a 30% decline in 2007, and a 35% decline in 2008.

Although, colony collapse is not uncommon it is worth noting that these bee hives are collapsing because the bees are not returning to the hives (this is uncharacteristic bee behavior). The reasons for the rapidly growing, large quantities of colony collapses is still largely unknown. There are several potential causes for the collapses:

• parasites, mites, disease loads in the bees and broods
• emergence of new or newly more virulent pathogens
• poor nutrition among adult bees
• lack of genetic diversity and lineage of bees
• stress level in adult bees
• chemical residue/contamination in wax, food stores, and/or bees
• a combination of these and/or other factors

How does this pertain to us?

In the United States, bee pollination of agricultural crops is said to account for about one-third of the U.S. diet, and to contribute to the production of a wide range of high-value fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, forage crops, some field crops, and other specialty crops. (M. R. Berenbaum, University of Illinois)

Many of America's crops are almost 100% pollinated by the honey bees which are commercially owned and operated here in the US. As of 2008, in Louisiana, Michigan, South Dakota, and West Virginia there are bee colony losses reaching upwards to 50% . In European continents the loss has reached 26%. Congress has authorized funding to research and determine the cause of the Colony Collapse Disorder, but with everything going on today...it may be swept under the rug. I don't think we need to be scientists to realize what would happen if our bees die out and we lose the God given gift of pollination.

There are companies out there that are giving a portion of their sales proceeds to help fund research for this worthy cause.  Please support these endeavors as we search for a remedy to this potentially devastating anomaly.