Are Honey Bees Endangered by GMO Crops?

We investigate: Are honey bees endangered by genetically modified crops? With colonies of bees being killed off at a rapid pace, experts are concerned about the effects on the global food supply.

Nearly 50% of the nation’s bee hives were wiped out last year due to a mysterious malady which is likely caused by a certain chemical contained within genetically modified crops (GMO), according to a new report by the New York Times.

Since 2005, an outbreak of what scientists call “Colony Collapse Disorder” has been rapidly killing off 30% of the global population of honey bees each year. The fact that this stunning decline of the honey bee population over the last decade increased to nearly 50% in the U.S. last year has many observers alarmed, according to the report (although honey bees are not currently an endangered species).

Some public officials, scientists, and bee keepers are now stepping up efforts to place the blame on a growing class of GMO insecticides, known as neonicotinoids. These nicotine-based insecticides can kill honey bees by infecting their brains with toxins.

Today, over 100 agricultural crops are pollinated by honey bees in the United States, which is worth over $10 billion. Over 80% all of flowering plant species require pollination to survive.

Experts are concerned that if this trend does not stop, the effects to both the economy and global food security could be devastating.

Unfortunately, the Federal agencies in America which have been tasked with vigilantly monitoring and protecting our nation’s food security have been co-opted by large corporate interests who rake in massive profits from pushing GMO crops.

Below is a BBC documentary detailing the global decline of the honey bee population entitled: Who Killed the Honey Bee?

If you are interested in learning even more about the disturbing trend, and ultimate ramifications, of the widespread Colony Collapse Disorder, I urge you to watch another eye-opening documentary entitled: Vanishing of the Bees.

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