Honey bee populations are in sharp decline, and the collapse of their colonies is a serious problem that has a wide ranging impact on agriculture. Pollinators such as honey bees are vital to agricultural production. In the U.S., more than one-third of all crop production—90 crops ranging from nuts to berries to flowering vegetables—requires insect pollination, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In a post on the USDA site called “Being Serious about Saving Bees,” Dr. Ann Bartuska, acting chief scientist and acting under secretary for research, education, and economics in animals research and science, noted that managed honey bee colonies are our primary pollinators, adding at least $15 billion a year by increasing yields and helping to ensure superior-quality harvests. However, beekeepers have been steadily losing colonies. The number of honey bee hives in this country has decreased from 6 million in the 1940s to about 2.5 million today, Dr. Bartuska observed.

Eleven years ago the U.S. Senate designated a week in June as “National Pollinator Week.” The event, held this year from June 18 to 24, has grown into an international celebration to recognize the valuable ecosystem services provided by bees, birds, butterflies, bats and beetles. To learn more, visit The Pollinator Partnership.

The infographic below by Visual.ly explains the problems honey bees colonies are facing.

The collapse of bee colonies is having a profound effect on the world’s economy. According to the personal finance website, The Balance.com, bee pollination is worth $15 billion to the U.S. farming industry. Over the last six years, the bee industry, which only makes $500 million a year, spent $2 billion to replace 10 million hives.

“These high costs force beekeepers to charge more to replace hives when they collapse,” The Balance.com said in a recent article. “Higher fees cost almond growers an extra $83 million a year. They pass those costs on as higher prices.

“Colony collapse disorder also affects the beef and dairy industries. Bees pollinate clover, hay, and other forage crops. As they die off, it raises the cost of feedstock. That increases beef and milk prices at the grocery store.

“The disorder will lead to increased imports of produce from foreign countries where it doesn't exist. That will raise the U.S. trade deficit.”

At least one optical company, Nectar Sunglasses, has launched a “Save the Bees” campaign. In a partnership with TheBeeCause and BeeThinking, Nectar Sunglasses donates a portion of its sales to help protect bee colonies and increase the population of bees.