In a remarkable turnaround, the number of bee colonies in the United States has surged to an all-time high of 3.8 million, marking an increase of nearly a million new colonies over the past five years. This resurgence follows nearly two decades of declining bee populations, primarily due to factors such as pesticides, habitat loss, and stress from transportation [b2ded952].
The Appalachian Beekeeping Collective (ABC) in southern West Virginia has contributed to this positive trend by training and supporting over 100 partner beekeepers since 2016. The ABC initiative not only promotes local honey production but also provides economic opportunities for residents in economically distressed counties by offering free bees and equipment. Each partner beekeeper starts with 2-6 hives and receives essential materials, along with access to educational programs such as a five-week Beekeeping 101 class and ongoing mentoring [fc2ff4c7].
Despite the increase in colonies, honey production grew by only 11% last year, highlighting a discrepancy between the number of hives and the yield of honey. This is particularly significant as the almond industry, which requires about 2 million bee colonies shipped to California annually for pollination, has seen a 400% increase in demand since 1980. In 2022 alone, almond orchards expanded by 29,000 acres, underscoring the critical role of beekeeping in supporting agricultural needs [b2ded952].
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin has shown support for ABC's initiatives, which have garnered funding since 2020 for a Pollinator Recovery, Research and Education Center. This center aims to educate the public about the importance of pollinators and work towards restoring ecosystems that are vital for agriculture [fc2ff4c7].
While domesticated honeybees play a crucial role in agriculture, they also pose a threat to wild pollinators, with over 40% of wild bee species facing extinction. Climate change continues to threaten bee populations, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices in beekeeping and agriculture [b2ded952]. The ABC's efforts exemplify how beekeeping can serve as a valuable economic driver while fostering community engagement and education about the critical role of pollinators in our ecosystems [fc2ff4c7].