Organic News
Growing concern at loss of honey bees
Colony collapse disorder which caused a loss of 30% of bees in the US last year is continuing to cause concern with fears of even greater losses this year.
The pollination of crops by bees is responsible for one third of the food produced in the US. Without bees there would be practically no almonds or many other crops such as apples, strawberries and even onions.
Despite considerable publicity, scientists say that lack of research funding is causing problems in identifying the cause of the deaths and have made urgent pleas for help. The bodies of dead bees are collected and examined to try and identify bacteria, viruses and pathogens that might cause the disease. While many have been found, it has not been possible so far to identify the main cause of the losses.
There are serious implications for food production worldwide and it comes as a shock to realise that in this technological age we are still dependent on nature for some things.
