Bee Benefits

Bees are vitally important to the sustainability of agriculture. At least one-third of the human food supply from crops and plants depends on insect pollination, most of which is done by bees. As bees fly from plant to plant gathering pollen or nectar, the pollen they pick up at one flower brushes off on the next, completing the bees’ reproductive role in cross-pollination. This form of pollination allows for diversity in the species and produces stronger plants, often resulting in increased disease resistance.

Bees pollinate a significant portion of our crops, contributing billions to the value of crop production in this country alone. Honey bees contribute to increased yields and superior quality crops for growers and American consumers. As such, a healthy bee population is invaluable to a healthy U.S. agricultural economy. Native bees such as mason bees and alfalfa leafcutter bees are also important pollinators.

Without pollination by bees, many members of the agriculture value chain would be negatively impacted. Consumers would also be affected by not having ready access to many foods they enjoy that are dependent on bee pollination, including certain fruits and vegetables.

While some foods, such as wheat, rice and corn, do not depend on pollinators, several types of fruits, nuts, seeds and vegetables could not be produced in sufficient quantities or at all without pollinators.

Pollinated crops in the U.S.