The Economic Value of Honeybees

“If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe then man would only have four years of life left. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man.”

As the article on the BBC website says no one is quite sure of the source of this quote but it does help to highlight the importance of honeybees to the world’s agricultural economy. It is estimated that a third of the food that we eat is pollinated by honeybees. There is therefore concern amongst scientists of the declining numbers of the honeybee.

Fluctuations in the weather and increased levels of disease have made it increasingly difficult for bee keepers to make a living. Very little income can now be made from honey because there is a lack of honey to be sold.

The shortage of honey in the UK means that there is now a greater amount of honey imported into the country. Some honeys have doubled in price as a result.

The National Audit Office has estimated that the valuie of bees to the UK economy is around £200m per year. The retail value of what they pollinate is closer to £1bn.

The decline in bees therefore may cause a rise in food prices and an increased level of imported honey.

What is the sollution? In parts of China some farmers are going around with feather dusters brushing the inside of plants with pollen, especially pear trees.

A fascinating artcile and video clip can be found on the BBC website. Perhaps one to use in the coursework portfolio.