Introduction to Honey Bees

It is no secret that honey bees are incredibly important to our environment. They pollinate plants and flowers, create honey and wax, and are even responsible for a large portion of our food production. Without honey bees, our lives would be drastically different. As a keystone species, honey bees play a vital role in the environment. They are responsible for pollinating over eighty per cent of flowering plants worldwide. That includes the majority of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds we eat. Without pollination, crops would not be able to reproduce, and we would not have access to the same level of food production. In addition to pollinating plants, honey bees also produce honey and wax. Honey is a sweet, golden liquid that many people enjoy eating. It also has a number of health benefits, including antiviral and antimicrobial properties. Wax is used to make products like candles and body care products. Without honey bees, these products would not be available. Honeybees are also important for the economy.

According to the American Beekeeping Federation, U.S. beekeepers produce around 150 million pounds of honey and more than $150 million worth of wax and other bee products each year. This contributes to a thriving agricultural industry, which in turn generates jobs and increases our overall economy. In short, honey bees are an essential part of our world.

Ecosystems are maintained, food is provided, and our economy is strengthened. In order for future generations to be able to benefit from their presence, we must protect them.