Why should we help the Honey Bee Survive?

Beeman's wife · 2012-05-17T03:13:36+00:00

Why should we help the Honey Bee?In simple terms, the answer seems very obvious; the bees are one of the mos=t important pollinators in the world.=20We rely on honey bees for one-third of our food supply, so when honey bees =are in danger, we=92re all in danger. The facts in this section will help y=ou educate others on what=92s happening with our honey bees.=20The honey bee is responsible for $15 billion in U.S. agricultural crops eac=h year. Bees fly approximately 10 to 15 miles per hour and visit about 50==97100 flowers in each pollination trip. To produce one pound of honey, hon=ey bees must visit two million flowers and fly 55,000 miles. When a honey b=ee returns to the hive after finding a good pollen source, it gives out sam=ples of the flower=92s nectar to its hive mates and performs a dance that d=etails the distance, direction, quality and quantity of the food supply. Th=e richer the food source, the longer and more vigorous dance.=20Why should we care about honey bees? Bee pollination is responsible for $15= billion in added crop value, particularly for specialty crops such as almo=nds and other nuts, berries, fruits, and vegetables. About one mouthful in =three in our diet directly or indirectly benefits from honey bee pollinatio=n.=20If honey bee colonies continue to collapse without relief, the impact on ou=r current food sources and agricultural practices will be devastating to ou=r own survival. Some bee facts we should know. Learn how you can help at ht=tp://=201. The honey bee has been around for millions of years.2. Honey bees, scientifically also known as Apis mellifera, are environment=ally friendly and are vital as pollinators.3. It is the only insect that produces food eaten by man.4. Honey is the only food that includes all the substances necessary to sus=tain life, including enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and water; and it=92s the= only food that contains =93pinocembrin=94, an antioxidant associated with =improved brain functioning.5. Honey...