When you think of a honeybee, what first comes to mind? Honey? Buzzing around your picnic table? Fear of getting stung? Maybe all of the above. There is a lot to know about these amazing insects that goes beyond what might originally think.
May 20th marks World Bee Day. What is this exactly? This is a day that is meant to raise awareness about honeybees, beekeepers and their role in the sustainability of the planet.
According to the Canadian Honey Council, the success of pollination of about 75% of our crops relies on pollinators like honeybees. It takes one colony of honeybees (around 30,000 bees) to pollinate an acre of fruit trees (as long as they are near). And the value of bees pollinating fruits, crops, vegetables, and legumes is almost 20 times the value of honey produced.
Bees and other pollinators are fundamental for the health of ecosystems and food security. They help maintain biodiversity and ensure the production of nutritious food. However, intensive monoculture production and improper use of pesticides pose serious threats to pollinators by reducing their access to food and nesting sites, exposing them to harmful chemicals, and weakening their immune systems.
You're probably used to seeing honeybees flying around your yard and chances are you've been stung by a honeybee at some point in your life. If you're like most people, you have a healthy fear of these little guys and you're likely to either stand completely still until the bee leaves the area or you simply 'get outta dodge' when you do encounter one.
So, while it is completely normal to avoid honeybees out of fear of being stung, the fact is that bees are actually pretty helpful to your environment, to food production, and if you're a gardener, your garden space. We should all try to protect them.
Under the theme “Bee engaged in pollinator-friendly agricultural production”, World Bee Day 2023 calls for global action to support pollinator-friendly agricultural production and highlights the importance of protecting bees and other pollinators, particularly through evidence-based agricultural production practices.
At Dutchman’s Gold we have always been fascinated by honeybees and their contributions to the health and ecosystem of the planet.
Here are 3 reasons why we love honey bees
1.They pollinate our flowers and plants
2.They produce honey
3. They produce wellness ingredients