One-third of the world’s food supply relies on bees. So as far as significant species go, they are at the top of the list. Bee pollination accounts for $577 billion in global food production. By traveling from blossom to flower, bees aid in the reproduction of many plant species, including trees and wildflowers. 

Here is the buzz: Pollinators are necessary for over 75% of the world's agricultural production. Bees contribute to the production of at least 90 different crops in North America. Bees are likely to have created most of your food items in your restaurant, in your warehouse, such as crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and strawberries. Without bees, our plates would be a lot more empty, and our meals would be far less diverse.

Sadly, bees are disappearing at an alarming rate. The loss of floral meadows, the varroa mite, pesticide usage, and climate change are possible causes. There are 20,000 unique bee species on the globe. From 2006-2015, approximately 25% fewer species were found.

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California is the producer of more than 80% of the almond harvest worldwide. In order to pollinate the flowering trees and produce almonds, California's 1.17 million-acre almond orchards typically require 1.6 million farmed bee colonies. This astounding dependence on bee pollination highlights the key function that bees play in our food production systems. 

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We may lose all the plants that bees pollinate, all the creatures that consume those plants, and so on up the food chain. This means that a world without bees may struggle to support the planet's 7 billion people. Our supermarkets would have half the number of fruits and vegetables.

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So, what can we do? There are many steps that may be implemented to encourage bee conservation in the food and beverage (F&B) sector. Grow flowers high in nectar and pollen to build bee-friendly gardens that will sustain the local populations of pollinators. To create a secure atmosphere in which bees may flourish, steer clear of chemical-free gardening techniques, including the use of pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers.

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Save dead flower stalks and hollow plant stems; they provide a home for bees that nest in cavities. Spring trimming aids in preserving the diversity of bees in nearby environments. Third, plant trees for bees; they serve as habitats and a source of food. Native trees that are good for the ecology and bee populations include black cherry, redbud, and maple. Another significant step is to support locally produced honey and other items connected to bees. Selecting honey that is produced nearby lessens the carbon impact that comes with moving goods over long distances, making it a sustainable decision. 

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This World Bee Day, you can show your support by planting bee-friendly flowers, advocating for bee-friendly policies, or simply spreading the word about the importance of bees. Every action counts.