Valerie M.

Roy An Investigation of Honey SOS 394 People, Production and Environments Bees as Pollinators and Honey Producers Humans and bees are now dependent on each other for survival; without this impressive insect we will loose one-third of the food on our plates, (VanEngelsdorp, 2008). Historically and unarguably, bees have been natures perfect industry; an organism that engineers its own food, inside a socially owned, operated and engineered structure; creating honey that humans capitalized on as an output. If robbing the hard work of the bee wasnt enough, than humans took further liberties with the natural process of pollination and pushed for better and faster service in this part of natural manufacturing. Honey is a staple sweetener that can be found in most kitchens around the country and most people are unaware of the intricate loss of stability associated with apiculture. There are human impacts threatening all bee products, and the fact that resources are being spent globally to find cures for the ailments of honeybees due to those impacts. Examining honey production and analyzing information that describes the processes, consequences, benefits and detriments to hive culture and human food production as well as better sustainable practices for apiculture, research unravels many intertwined circumstances. The historical innovation of domestication starts with moving bees out of wild and into captured hive productivity, which forced bees to work for humans and not just for their sole survival. Farmers have become dependent on the bees seasonal migration that happens by being trucked to the farm to pollinate the crops. Human activity seems to be threatening all of these aspects through their disconnect with nature and continual drive for more production. One way to define these issues is with the term Nature Deficit Disorder, coined by Richard Louv who wrote Last Child in the Woods. This term is useful when discussing the situation modern society has created concerning the huge disconnect of people with the outdoors and in correlation to their food sources. Food does not simply come from the grocery store. The bees have a process of production, followed by the beekeepers process of not only containing the bees for honey extraction but working in conjunction with pollination schedules for farming. Next is the big manufacturing plant processing and when that is finished only than you can find honey on a shelf in a store. All of these elements of production are threatened globally by natural pests called varroa mites, diseases, and human pollutants such as chemical fertilizers and insecticides. If one out of every three cows were to die off in a winter season the media would make this kind of crisis paramount; other than some accounts of hive collapse, the ramifications of losing one out of every three hives has not been made significant in the press. Are we seeing another aspect of overdevelopment and is this resulting in a noticeable tear in the food web? Genetically Modified Organisms, (GMOs) chemical insecticides and fertilizers, and manipulation between the natural environment without harmonizing when adding the built environment may be possible considerations in the argument of the destruction of the honeybee and in turn the destruction of the food chain (VanEngelsdorp, 2008). These problems are not a new threat to the honey industry. Our modern version is defined as Colony Collapse
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Disorder, but in a 1979 American Bee Journal there are accounts of something named Disappearing Disease or DD. There is an account of DD being noted as far back historically as 1897. DD could have been the first indication of the built environment clashing with the natural environment and a precursor of worse symptoms to come (Wilson & Menapace, 1979). Apiarist or Beekeeper is not an entry into O*Net, which is the nation's primary source of occupational information found online. This valuable database contains information on hundreds of occupation specific descriptions (Occupational Information Network, 2010). With a job that ensures farm productivity of one-third of all produce commodities, the cosmetics industry, medicinal uses and common cupboard honey, beekeeping should be important enough to ensure a career description. This illustrates the lack of understanding and magnifies the powerful effects of Nature Deficit Disorder. History of Bee Domestication Archeologists generally believe the bee to have developed in Asia. References to the sweet treat can be dated back to cave-dwellers, Egyptians, and people in biblical times. Aristotle refers to bees in 334 BC. with the written work Natural Sciences. The first known man-made hive was created by Virgil (approximately 29 BC) out of cork. Classification of Apis mellifera, or the Italian honeybee, came in 1758 by Linnaeus, a Swedish researcher. Colonies are made up of living organisms that can reproduce themselves and this was key to harnessing colonies for domestication. Cultivating and containing for human use or domestication of bees first happened in monasteries, but during the Reformation period, monasteries along with their apiary practices were destroyed. In early attempts to keep hives, the bees needed to be destroyed to harvest their sought-after food product. It was not until in 1806 when a Ukrainian Peter Prokopovich created the first modern framed units that allowed him to farm 1,000 hives. Hinges and the box shape with dividing panels is what allowed honey harvesting for the masses (Gojmerac, 1977). The honeybee is native to the Orient, Europe and Africa and the bees were introduced to the North American continent in 1620. It only took twenty years for an established abundant market to emerge in Virginia. This is the beginning of the historical circumstance that created this interdependency between bees and man on this continent. Consider that in 200 years before movable frames were used, escaped swarms were common, the actual disbursal of the honey bee spreading throughout the United States either by man or swarming is not documented. Bees are thought to have spread westward by four routes: the Hudson and Mohawk River Valleys and along the Ohio River Valley through the Cumberland Gap and along the Gulf Coast - hollow trees were in abundance and this ensured survival of natural swarms. Earliest records of production can be attributed to the 1850 census stating that Tennessee produced about 1 million pounds of wax and honey; this census also noted 29 states had inventories of honey (Gojmerac, 1977). Bees embody the definition of survival of the fittest; consider that definition is when biology allows the continued existence of organisms that are best adapted to new environments; whether that means adapting to new continents or constructed boxes. Economics of Beekeeping and Human Production Currently, the best source describing the industrialized honey production process, maybe a seven point examination made available by Sue Bee (originally Souix Bee) association. This process
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starts with the collection by the Apiarist or Beekeeper that also has the additional important job to aid farmers in pollinating some 130 agricultural plant types in the United States; this process in itself accounts for an annual value of jobs and revenue totaling over $9 billion in the U.S. market alone (University of Georgia, 2010). Step two accounts for the extraction of the honey from the hives by the keepers. The next step is the shipping to Sue Bee to be stored in 55 gallon drums until the next process, (filtering), when the honey is analyzed for purity and consistency in Sue Bees laboratory. The honey is tested for clarity, type, flavor, moisture and color. The fifth step consists of filtering for purification and blending, or the step that ensures consistency. Bottling is the sixth step in major manufacturing, 35million 12 ounce bottles are filled daily (40 million pounds annually) in the Sue Bee processing plant alone. The last step in the manufacturing line is shipping; we are all familiar with the honey-bear shaped bottles, but Sue Bee Honey Association is also a bulk distributor for companies like Cheerios and is a global distributor as well. Sue Bee is a vital to the honey industry in the fact that it is a cooperative generating 20 to 50 million dollars a year and employing staff of approximately 100 to 249 depending on the season. Than there are the beekeepers that are considered as independent contractors (Sue Bee, 2010). Figure Honey is an industry regulated by the United States 1a. government by Food and Drug Administration, (FDA). The FDAs main job is to protect public health by assuring purity of food products including honey. The FDA has made warnings and alerted the public to imported honey. Eventually, the FDA seized adulterated honey due to the presence of a chemical called chloramphenicol (used as an antibiotic) in imported honey (Bee Culture, 2003). Regulations regarding licensing for beekeepers are varied state to state decisions. Beekeepers may also choose to register with entities like the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (Pollinator Partnership), the American Bee Federation, and other related organizations. The Honey Board promotes to the public and is a federal research and promotion board under USDA management that conducts marketing and promotion programs to help maintain and expand markets for honey and honey products (USDA, 2010). Which is the real industry that is keeping Apiarists employed, honey or pollination? More than 60 percent of annual gross revenues came from colony rentals in 1998 and rose to 72 percent in 1995. Demand for pollination service exceeded supply during much of the 90s and this led to profits for beekeepers. The average rental price per colony increased from $19.25 in 1992 to $31.55 in 1996 (University of Georgia, 2010). See figure 1a. for an account of one beekeepers annual record keeping (Pearce, 2010).
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Real business owner Bill Strand gives an apiarists version of how confident he is in his part of this point of production for the honey industry. By publishing the results of a common evaluation tool he used to analyze strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, real or perceived creates a solid foundation to recognize value. SWOT ANALYSIS for a Beekeeper: Strengths: We are an established operation with a unique retail outlet through which we sell the majority of our honey and beeswax. Weaknesses: We are a relatively small beekeeping business, limiting our ability to provide pollination services to larger orchards and farms. Opportunities: Because pests and disease and pesticides have virtually eliminated wild honey bees in our area, there is ample demand for pollination services provided by our domestic honey bees. Threats: Pests and disease (collapse) are potential threats to our operation, (Pearce, 2010). Other externalities when assessing honey production for sustainability or lack there of, would be that hives are loaded onto pallets in the backs of trucks. On the West Coast an estimated seasonal average of 1,500-2,000 miles of transportation is involved each year for pollination purposes (Byers, 2010). Without key national numbers to provide information on beekeeping as an industry in its entirety, tracking information to make comparative analysis on petroleum consumption and total greenhouse emissions is nearly impossible. External cost could come in the guise of the families effected by beekeeping. What toll does it take every time seasonal moves need to be made in migrating to accommodate pollination schedules for different crops? Without accurate census of the beekeeping industry the results may never be considered. Populations in Peril, Tightly Bound Circumstances Cultivation and management of honey and natural pollination processes have resulted in unintended multidimensional consequences; generally symptoms are lumped together and titled Colony Collapse Disorder. Collapse could be the combined effects of humans on bees and natural pests like verrola mites, viruses along with pollution and pesticides. Combine these maladies with the fact that honey bees are not native and have had cycles of disappearance before Hive Collapse. Colony Collapse has global ramifications and is being researched by American, European and Middle Eastern governments. Pennsylvanian beekeeper, Dave Hackenberg was the first to notice pattern of Hive Collapse on the East Coast. The bees are not dying in the colonies but in most cases are leaving hives and dying of starvation before they fly back. Stress, maybe compromising the immune systems of the bees. Because bees work as a social system a compromise of their immune system makes entire colonies weak and more susceptible to disease. Stresses include poor nutrition due to apiary overcrowding, pollination of crops with poor nutritional value (GMOs); and exposure to limited or contaminated water supplies. Add to the list of factors migratory stress caused by literal overworked conditions. Increased needs for pollination may have exhausted bee populations to death (USDA, 2010).

2.4 million American colonies are kept viable by beekeepers, they are splitting colonies and introducing new queens, (VanEngelsdorp, 2008). This adds up and can get quite expensive. In an advertisement found in the recent issue of the Oregon State Beekeepers Association, current selling prices for Queens are: 1-9 =$20.00, 10-24= $17.75, 25-49=$16.50 (Bee Line, 2010). Humans are creating additional challenges for this natural biosystem; American pesticide use for lawns in 2001 alone accounted for 11% of all pesticide use, additionally 5% of greenhouse gas emissions are produced by mowing these lawns. A simple solution can be found by planting a beautiful natural meadows that encourage healthy bee activity (VanEngelsdorp, 2008). Change in a hives culture does not take much influence; evidence can be found to support how quickly sensitivity can be marked in a hive. As recently as November, in an article reported by the New York Times, a small beekeeping operation turned up bees and honey colored a vivid shade of bright red. Samples of the red honey that the bees were producing was sent to the head apiculturalist who works for New York State, and that expert, found the samples had excessive amounts of Red Dye No. 40, the same dye used in the maraschino cherry juice and found at the local cherry factory (Dominus, 2010). The scariest example of humans harming bee culture that has only in turn harmed the food supply of fruits, vegetables and nuts is evident in the results of hand pollination as currently performed by the Chinese. An average family of Asian pear farmers harvest 5 tons of pears in a season. The bees in the providence of Schezwan in the early 1980s were wiped out due to uncontrolled use of pesticides. The farmers lost their crops, so Beijing authorities told the farmers to figure out a method to pollinate by hand. Collecting and drying pollen that is then applied by chicken feathers tied to the end of a bamboo rod is how the obstacle is being tackled. One bee hive usually results in 3 million flowers naturally processed free of charge in one day. Instead, humans service up to 30 trees in a day. If hand pollinating procedures would have to be followed in the U.S., it would cost over $90 billion in a year. China is changing very fast and like all other continents the younger people suitable to jobs like climbing trees to hand pollinate are moving from the rural areas into the cities. How long can these farmers keep up the task of pollinator, according to the PBS documentary, Silence of the Bees, only 10-15 years (Shultz, 2007). Seeking Solutions: Meadows not Lawns, Legislation and Maybe Movie Stars This is an odd mix but may offer some answers to sustain the bee industry and honey. Regulations are being sought by American Beekeeping Federation, a national organization, working in the best interest beekeepers and partners of the bee industry to help ensure the future, include legislative activities. One recent legislative measure included suspending all live honey bee imports, both queens and honey bees, until research can prove that there is no harm for U.S. honey bees. This was as recent as May, 2010. This national platform provides other valuable services like, annual Tradeshows. The Federation will hosted this event in January in Galveston, Texas. The Beekeeping Federation serves as a resource for up to date Apiculture news; import busts by the FDA, sign up reminders, and news about colony collapse. . The biggest news in the health of bees is the many global research laboratories working tirelessly, and the latest
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breakthrough was the discovery of a virus that is transferred internationally, the Israeli acute paralytic virus found to be another instigator of colony collapse. Grassroots campaigns get things done from the bottom up and the honey industry is no exceptation. These forums are trying to eliminate problems with catchy slogans and fun campaigns that include: Savethebees.org and Vanishingbees.com. T-shirts, decals and a new documentary are ways to reach the public. Reintroducing people to the natural world and reducing Nature Deficit Disorder is how these small movements are making a difference. The idea of planting wildflowers and meadows instead of lawns could create a two-fold solution, to get people back outside and to give bees more natural surroundings. Another way to put the issue in the spotlight and help correct the damage is beekeeping on a small scale. Apiculture is becoming a trendy new hobby and it helps by keeping production smaller. Making the process smaller makes the process more sustainable. This lesson is made obvious in the maraschino cherry incident issues providing evidence that problems can be found and tracked quickly. Honey hobbyists include top chefs as well as Hollywood stars. James Naughtie, a Radio 4 broadcaster who took up beekeeping last year. Bee hives are turning up in Hollywood too, given as a wedding present by actor Samuel L. Jackson to actress Scarlett Johansson, and new hubby, actor Ryan Reynolds (Macaskill, 2010). Locally What is Being Done to Support Bees Arizona State University has hives at the Polytech campus and also offers a class in spring on the subject, BIO 598 - Topic: Honey Bee Biology & Apiculture. ASU is also a present force in the research of colony collapse along with Tucson, Arizonas Carl Hayden Bee Research Center activities include a national program, NP 305. This program is being used to incorporate technologies, approaches, and strategies that enable the advancement of the Nations agricultural industry. The program hopes to provide one or more production practices that can be integrated into a system for managing plant population densities, fertility, pollination, irrigation and other cultural practices, and pests control and to focus other research on bee health. In February of last year ASU also offered a one day beginners course in beekeeping. Honey: Is it Timeless, or is honeys time up? Most peoples first reaction to the word bee is to be careful or they will get stung. The perils from industrialization, daunting and reckless, is where the real stinging threats are coming from. The scariest offering made by this research was the fact that the inevitable,vanishing bees, has already happened in China and it is currently being considered by global research. Americans need to be made more aware of this issue and the solutions too. It is not important how education in these matters happen; either from the top down with legislation or the bottom up with grassroots campaigning. Bees have been nature's perfect industry; positive strides need to be made to remind humans of the contributions of all bee products and how busy bees really are. (word count 3,184)

INTERESTING FACTS About the Honey Bee Bees fly an average of 13-15 miles per hour. A bee's wings beat 180 times per second. During the production period, or spring and summer, a worker bee's average life span is 6 weeks. Worker bees are all female. Honeybees visit approximately 2 million flowers to make one pound of honey. A bee travels an average of 1,600 round trips in order to produce 1 ounce of honey - as far as 6 miles per round trip. To produce 2 pounds of honey, bees travel a distance equal to four times around the earth. Bees from the same hive visit approximately 225,000 flowers per day one bee usually visits between 50 and 1,000 flowers per day, but sometimes up to several thousand. Approximately 8 pounds of honey is consumed by bees to produce 1 pound of beeswax. Queens will lay approximately 1,200 eggs per day at a rate of five or six per minute - between 175,000 and 200,000 eggs are laid per year. The queen may mate with up to 17 drones over a one- to two-day period of mating flights. The queen stores the sperm from her mating voyage, giving her a lifetime supply. She mates only once in her lifetime. Hives Bees do not sleep; however, they can be found resting in empty cells. There are 40,000 to 60,000 bees in a beehive during honey-gathering season. The average temperature of a hive is 93.5. Famous actor Henry Fonda kept beehives. Honey is 80 percent sugars and 20 percent water. Honey has been used as a topical dressing for wounds because microbes cannot live in it. It also produces hydrogen peroxide. Honey has been used to embalm bodies, including that of Alexander the Great. Fermented honey, known as mead, is the most ancient fermented beverage. The term "honey moon" originated with the Norse practice of consuming large quantities of mead during the first month of a marriage. Honeybees are the only insects that produce food for humans. (Sue Bee, 2010).