Saving the Honey Bee: Obama Addresses Issue of Rapidly Diminishing Pollinators

The White House is working to save the nation's dwindling bee population.

Health officials have blamed the insect's sharp decline in recent years on certain factors, including mite infestations, pesticides, and loss of genetic diversity, according to a statement made by the White House on Friday.

As honey bees and other pollinators help fertilize nuts, fruits and vegetables that are crucial for the country's economy, President Barack Obama is working with various agencies to address the issue and prevent more bees from disappearing, according to CNN. 

"Pollination is integral to food security in the United States," officials said, according to the statement. "Honey bees enable the production of at least 90 commercially grown crops in North America. Globally, 87 of the leading 115 food crops evaluated are dependent on animal pollinators."

Obama has ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assess the impact of all pesticides, including neonicotinoids, on pollinator health.

"The problem is serious and requires immediate attention to ensure the sustainability of our food production systems, avoid additional economic impact on the agricultural sector, and protect the health of the environment," Obama's directive said regarding other disappearing pollinators, including birds, bats, butterflies and bees.

The estimated number of managed bee colonies in the United States fell from 7 million beehives in 1947 to 2.5 million today, according to the White House.

"Pollinators contribute more than $24 billion to the United States economy, of which honey bees account for more than $15 billion through their vital role in keeping fruits, nuts, and vegetables in our diets," the White House said.

However, controversy lingers over how to improve pollinator health. While some groups, including CropLife America, have found "no adverse effects on bee colonies when pesticides are applied according to label directions," other environmental and consumer advocacy agencies believe that pesticides potential toxicity to bees should be banned, specifically neonicotinoid pesticides.