Honeybees Vanish, Leaving Crops and Keepers in Peril

[one...two...tree 2,762]

.....

The sudden mysterious losses are highlighting the critical link that honeybees play in the long chain that gets fruit and vegetables to supermarkets and dinner tables across the country.

Beekeepers have fought regional bee crises before, but this is the first national affliction.

....

A Cornell University study has estimated that honeybees annually pollinate more than $14 billion worth of seeds and crops in the United States, mostly fruits, vegetables and nuts. “Every third bite we consume in our diet is dependent on a honeybee to pollinate that food,” said Zac Browning, vice president of the American Beekeeping Federation.

The bee losses are ranging from 30 to 60 percent on the West Coast, with some beekeepers on the East Coast and in Texas reporting losses of more than 70 percent; beekeepers consider a loss of up to 20 percent in the offseason to be normal.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/27/business...amp;oref=slogin

[mawilson 2,133]

Researchers say the bees are presumably dying in the fields, perhaps becoming exhausted

or simply disoriented and eventually falling victim to the cold.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Cold? What happened to global warming?

[almaty 19]

bees are cool.....i thought it was due to a parasite

[almaty 19]

bees are cool.....i thought it was due to a parasite

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

you can say that again

[almaty 19]

you can say that again

hmmmmmm..i thought i did

[mawilson 2,133]

you can say that again

hmmmmmm..i thought i did

[SmileyGuy 0]

bees are cool.....i thought it was due to a parasite

Classic Almaty double post. I always giggle to myself. I think he does it on purpose now just to entertain me. I once saw an epic Almaty triple post...laughed for hours. Yes, I am easily amused.

[almaty 19]

bees are cool.....i thought it was due to a parasite

Classic Almaty double post. I always giggle to myself. I think he does it on purpose now just to entertain me. I once saw an epic Almaty triple post...laughed for hours. Yes, I am easily amused.

aw you caught me brother smiley, i do it for your amusement