Big agriculture is killing our bees. We’ll all pay the price | Jennie Durant

Commercial beekeepers experienced their worst losses on record last winter, with more than 60% of their colonies collapsing. While individual threats like pests, pesticides, habitat loss, and extreme weather are often cited, the article argues that these are symptoms of a larger issue: the industrial food system. This system, characterized by large-scale monoculture farming and the extensive use of agricultural chemicals, is the primary driver of pollinator decline. The author contends that the current approach to addressing bee losses is flawed because it fails to recognize the interconnectedness of these factors and the systemic nature of the problem. The article posits that the economic and environmental consequences of this decline will ultimately affect everyone, as pollinators are crucial for a significant portion of global food production. Without a fundamental shift in agricultural practices, the price of food and the stability of ecosystems will continue to be negatively impacted.