Cloud Tree
Disappearing Bees Indicate a Threat to Us All
RECEIVED Thu., June 21, 2007
Dear Editor,
The most important fact about the massive die-off of honey bees has received scant media attention: It turns out that organic honey producers have reported almost no problems at all. Their bees are healthy, and their hives are thriving, according to the Organic Consumers Association.
There's a few different factors that may be responsible for the die-off of nonorganic hives. The pesticides used against mites, excessive antibiotics, the constant moving of large hives in trucks, the breeding of larger (and less mite-resistant) "super" bees … it may be a combination of these factors, or it may be something else.
But one thing is clear: Organic, sustainable practices in food production are obviously crucial to our future and the futures of thousands of other species.
The bees are a vital link in the chain of life. If we ignore their peril, we invite our own.
The most important fact about the massive die-off of honey bees has received scant media attention: It turns out that organic honey producers have reported almost no problems at all. Their bees are healthy, and their hives are thriving, according to the Organic Consumers Association.
There's a few different factors that may be responsible for the die-off of nonorganic hives. The pesticides used against mites, excessive antibiotics, the constant moving of large hives in trucks, the breeding of larger (and less mite-resistant) "super" bees … it may be a combination of these factors, or it may be something else.
But one thing is clear: Organic, sustainable practices in food production are obviously crucial to our future and the futures of thousands of other species.
The bees are a vital link in the chain of life. If we ignore their peril, we invite our own.
Chris Jones
