Report: Multiple Factors Play Role in Honey Bee Decline

Multiple factors are playing a part in the decline of honey bee colonies, according to a report released this week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency. Based on the report, parasites and diseases, genetics, poor nutrition and pesticide exposure are contributing factors, although more research is being conducted. About one-third of all food and beverages are made possible by pollination mainly by honey bees. Since 2006, there has been a widespread disappearance of adult honeybees from beehives. This decline places greater pressure on agricultural sectors reliant on commercial pollination services. Read the report.