FROM THE PLANT TO THE TABLE*

 Just in case you think we’re overstating the seriousness of the problem, take a look at a short list of foods that rely on the hardworking honey bee for pollination.

CROPS	MAJOR U.S. PRODUCERS
ALMONDS	CALIFORNIA
APPLES	WASINGTON, NEW YORK ,MICHIGAN, PENNSYLVANIA
CIRTUS	FLORIDA, CALIFORNIA
ORANGES	TEXAS, ARIZONA
GRAPEFRUIT	FLORIDA, CALIFORNIA
LEMON	CALIFORNIA
PEAR	WASHINGTON, OREGON
PEACH	CALIFORNIA, SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA
SUNFLOWER	NORTH AND SOUTH DAKOTA
CRANBERRIES	WISCONSIN,MASSACHUSETTS
BLUEBERRIES	MICHIGAN, NEW JERSEY, GEORGIA, OREGON, MASSACHUSETTS
SWEET CHERRIES	WASHINGTON, CALIFORNIA
CARROTS	CALIFORNIA, TEXAS
BROCCOLI	CALIFORNIA
ONION	TEXAS, GEORGIA, CALIFORNIA, ARIZONA
COTTON	TEXAS, ARKANSAS, GEORGIA, MISSISSIPPI
SOYBEAN	IOWA, ILLINOIS, MINNESOTA, INDIANA

  * United States Department of Agriculture data

 SO WHAT CAN WE DO TO PREVENT CCD?

You may have heard that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Honestly though, since no one is sure of the exact cause of CCD, we can’t tell you exactly how you can prevent it.

However, there are "best practices" that experts believe will help keep honey bees as healthy as possible.

• Limit the use of chemicals and pesticides
  In your garden and in your lawn, the use of pesticides is suspected by many to be harming honey bee populations. Limit the use of these chemicals, or better yet, go au natural. (You know what we mean.)

• Become a backyard beekeeper
   Sure, beekeeping is big business. But it is also a great hobby that can increase honey bee populations and help the plants in your area.

• Plant a garden
  Not just any garden, a bee-friendly garden. Talk to your local garden center for information about which plants attract honey bees. Diversity is key. Composting a must.

• Write your Congressional representatives
  Funding for honey bee research is more critical than ever. Write a letter and voice your concern.