Millions of bees have died this year. It’s “the worst bee loss in recorded history,” one beekeeper says.

The beekeeping industry in the United States is currently facing a crisis due to the alarming and unexplained deaths of millions of bees over the past eight months. This devastating situation has left beekeepers like Blake Shook, a prominent figure in the industry, baffled and concerned as they witness unprecedented losses in their hives.

According to Shook, the data indicates that this is the worst bee loss in recorded history. Researchers are struggling to pinpoint the exact cause of these mass deaths, with potential factors including changing habitats and weather patterns. Juliana Rangel, an entomologist at Texas A&M University, has been conducting studies on bee hives to unravel the mystery behind this alarming trend.

Bees are crucial for U.S. food production as they play a vital role in pollinating 75% of the fruits, nuts, and vegetables grown in the country, amounting to $15 billion worth of crops. Shook emphasized that the current losses are unsustainable and could have a significant impact on food production in the United States if they persist. For instance, almonds heavily rely on honeybee pollination, with almond trees producing significantly fewer nuts without their assistance.

Shook’s efforts to rebuild dead hives highlight the severity of the situation, as he receives an increasing number of hives from commercial operations across the nation. Beekeeping groups warn that 25% of commercial operations may face closure by the end of the year due to these losses. The gravity of the situation is underscored by Shook’s account of receiving distressing calls from fellow beekeepers who have lost a substantial portion of their hives and are considering leaving the industry.

The decline in bee populations not only affects beekeepers but also poses a threat to national food security. With bees being integral to pollination and crop production, the implications of their dwindling numbers extend far beyond the beekeeping community. It is imperative that researchers, beekeepers, and policymakers work together to address this crisis and ensure the survival of these essential pollinators.

Kerry Breen, a news editor at CBSNews.com, sheds light on the severity of the situation and emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about the plight of bees and the impact of their decline on food production and security. As the beekeeping industry grapples with this crisis, collective action is needed to safeguard the future of bees and ensure the sustainability of food production in the United States.