428: Honey: Are we overlooking the bees' needs?

We could probably survive in a world without bees, but it would be a poorer one. It is nothing new to say that bees play a crucial role in supporting ecosystems. In a world without bees, not only would we have to get by without their delicious honey, many of the food stuffs we currently enjoy would likely disappear. Food insecurity would rise, and we would be financially worse off – bees contribute a significant chunk of money to the global food industry. We also know they are in danger. The International Union for Conservation of Nature says nearly 10% of wild bee species in Europe may be at risk of extinction. So, is sustainable beekeeping the answer? What does sustainability mean in this context? And is keeping bees, itself, inherently harmful? Listen to the end for our guests' favourite bee facts! Guests: Paul Horton, Director, Bee Farmers Association Nicola Bradbear, Director, Bees for Development Anne Rowberry, President, British Beekeepers Association