Bee colonies have been declining in the U.S. due to stressors such as pests, pesticide exposure and poor nutrition from a lack of pollen, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
According to researchers, most hemp crops flower between July and September, coinciding with a lack of pollen production from other farm crops.
This discovery points to hemp as a new pollen source for bees and could help sustain their populations.
Importance of Pollinators
Pollinators–insects, birds, bats, and other animals that carry pollen from the male to the female parts of flowers for plant reproduction–are an essential part of natural and agricultural ecosystems throughout North America. For example, most fruit, vegetable, and seed crops and some crops that provide fiber, drugs, and fuel depend on animals for pollination. This report provides evidence for the decline of some pollinator species in North America, including most important managed pollinator, the honey bee, as well as some butterflies, bats, and hummingbirds.
For most managed and wild pollinator species, however, population trends have not been assessed because populations have not been monitored over time. In addition, for wild species with demonstrated declines, it is often difficult to determine the causes or consequences of their decline. This report outlines priorities for research and monitoring that are needed to improve information on the status of pollinators and establishes a framework for conservation and restoration of pollinator species and communities.
Many types of plants, including fruit and vegetable crops, depend on animals for pollination. In addition to honey bees, many other types of animals pollinate crops and wildflowers, including:
- Wild bees.
- Ants.
- Beetles.
- Wasps.
- Lizards.
- Birds.
- Bats.
- Butterflies.
We are concerned about declines in pollinator health and are working to protect bees and other pollinators from pesticide risks.
Learn more about what EPA is doing to protect pollinators.
Learn about what our partners are doing.
Factors Affecting Pollinator Health
Bee colony losses due to Colony Collapse Disorder began to be identified in 2006. A National Research Council report in 2007, Status of Pollinators in North America EXIT, documented the decline of pollinators and discussed some of the possible causes as well as research and other actions needed to address the issue.
The prevailing theory among scientists in EPA, USDA and the global scientific and regulatory community is that the general declining health of honey bees is related to complex interactions among multiple stressors including:
- Pests (e.g., varroa mite), pathogens (e.g., the bacterial disease American foulbrood) and viruses.
- Poor nutrition (e.g., due to loss of foraging habitat and increased reliance on supplemental diets).
- Pesticide exposure.
- Bee management practices (e.g., long migratory routes to support pollination services).
- Lack of genetic diversity.
