Bees Drive $15 Billion in U.S. Revenue, But They’re Disappearing
Commercial beekeepers across the United States have reported catastrophic colony losses on an average of more than 60 percent over the past winter with endangering pollination-dependent crops and potentially driving up prices for staples like almonds and berries. Researchers cite multiple causes, including parasites, habitat loss and weather extremes, creating urgent concern for both industry and food supply.
Beekeepers surveyed by Project Apis m. indicate record-high winter losses exceeding 60 percent of their hives, surpassing all prior benchmarks and raising alarm over national food security. Those figures far outstrip the losses once considered normal at around 30 percent that underscores escalating pressure on agricultural infrastructure.
In California, the impact is especially acute. Between June 2024 and February 2025, commercial operations reported a loss of 1.1 million honeybee colonies, roughly 62 percent of their bees. The immediate consequences include a shortfall of 300,000 to 500,000 hives needed for almond pollination, along with an estimated $428 million in lost earnings from pollination contracts and about $225 million spent on colony replacement.
These deficits emerge when pollinators are most needed.
Annually, honeybees account for around $15 billion in U.S. crop production with pollinating more than 100 commercial crops, including fruits, nuts and vegetables and with over 130 varieties dependent on their services. Reported by USDA.
Without such pollination, yields would fall, and consumer prices would rise.
Broader assessments place the total contribution of insect pollinators (including wild bees, butterflies, moths, and birds) to U.S. agriculture at over $34 billion per year.
Wild species play an important role, improving both quantity and quality of output in crops like almonds, cherries and blueberries.
Multiple stressors drive the decline of Honeybees in America. Scientists cite infestations from Varroa mites and other pathogens, along with nutritional stress from habitat loss and reduced floral diversity. Weather extremes, such as heatwaves and cold snaps further weaken bee colonies.
The deterioration extends beyond managed apiaries. Native bees, such as bumble bees and leafcutter bees are increasingly threatened. Their decline undermines biodiversity and diminishes natural pollination capacity.
Economists and researchers warn that the country’s monoculture agriculture lacks resilience. In many regions, pollinator habitat is poor, raising dependence on rented hives and placing economic stress on beekeepers, especially when colony losses rise.
“We've found that some of the areas that are economically most reliant on insect pollinators are the same areas where pollinator habitat and forage quality are poor.” Vikas Khanna of Pitt's Swanson School of Engineering said in an NSF article.
Without intervention, supply chain disruptions could ripple through grocery aisles. Almonds, which is the leading U.S. crop reliant on pollination can serve as a bellwether. Growers report uncertainty about pollination quality until actual fruit set becomes visible.
Experts suggest several mitigation strategies such as:
- Farmers and homeowners might plant native flowers to support pollinator health.
- Improved land management.
- Reduced pesticide reliance.
- Enhanced habitat protection.
And more could relieve stress on bee populations.
Conclusion:
Bees occupy a central role in American food production and agriculture by contributing about $15 billion in U.S. economy. As colony losses accelerate, policymakers, farmers and citizens face a test: whether to act swiftly to preserve pollination services that underpin crop yields, industry livelihoods and consumer costs or risk long-lasting disruption in the food supply that will have a catastrophic impact in the region.
