The islands of Hawaii…with the Big Island in particular are the largest suppliers of queen European bees to the world. If that supply is wiped out…it won’t be long until the lack of pollinators cuts off the food supply to the world..yes, extinction in a big way would hit the world…
- Hawaii is the largest exporter of European honeybee queens in the world, an industry that is worth $13 million to the local economy. These queens pollinate a range of crops whose value is in the billions of dollars. Africanized and Asian honeybees pose a serious threat to not just beekeeping in Hawaii but also to human health. This funding will provide proactive services including: the development of early detection systems, creating training and awareness programs for beekeepers, inspection personnel of various agencies, and shipping companies.
As for the potential for the destruction of the worlds food crops…here is what one major European paper thinks…
Where would we be without bees? As far as important species go, they are top of the list. They are critical pollinators: they pollinate 70 of the around 100 crop species that feed 90% of the world. Honey bees are responsible for $30 billion a year in crops.
