Pollinator decline threatens global food security; apiculture faces climate and health crises across Europe.
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Approximately 75% of food crops rely on pollination, a service valued at 2.4 billion euros for Spanish agriculture in 2014, yet Europe sees a decline in 37% of bee populations. Beekeepers face increasingly difficult conditions, leading to short colony lifespans and production decreases, which threatens not only beekeeping but also biodiversity, as pollination cannot be imported like honey. While urban beekeeping is an alternative in some EU regions, Spanish regulations restrict its practice due to the nature of the Iberian bee. Consequently, beekeepers must diversify their activities, such as offering workshops or selling derived products. The decline is exacerbated by adverse weather and parasitic diseases, forcing professional beekeepers to undertake migratory movements. Across Europe, other countries like Hungary, Italy, and Greece are experiencing significant honey production drops due to climate extremes and pests. In response, the EU has pushed for stricter pollinator initiatives and reduced chemical pesticide use, while some regions in Italy have implemented measures like hedgerow restoration; however, experts stress that consumer awareness and support for local products are crucial to counter unfair competition.
