As the summer draws to an end, beekeepers across France are taking stock of a year blighted by heavy rains and low temperatures that have decimated hives and honey production. Beekeepers say 2024 has proved a disastrous year for honey production. The spring honey harvest fell by as much as 80 percent in some parts of France, with many bees dying from starvation. The primary culprit is poor weather: cold temperatures and relentless rain have left colonies unable to forage, forcing some beekeepers to supplement their diets with sugar and adding significant costs in an already struggling industry. When it rains, bees stay inside their hives instead of flying out to collect nectar. During these periods, they consume their reserves of honey, depleting the very resource they are supposed to produce.

The decline of bee populations is a serious concern, and the reasons behind it are complex and multifaceted. One of the most significant factors contributing to this decline is the widespread use of pesticides. Pesticides, when used improperly, can harm bees directly and indirectly, impacting their ability to forage, pollinate, and build healthy colonies.

This decline is attributed to a combination of factors, including climate change, pesticide use, and the spread of diseases. The French government has responded to the crisis by providing financial assistance to beekeepers and promoting the use of organic farming practices. The government has also implemented measures to control the spread of diseases and pests. The crisis has highlighted the importance of bees and their role in the French agricultural system.

This gap, known as the “honey deficit,” has led to a significant reliance on imports. France’s reliance on imports for honey is driven by several factors. Firstly, the country’s climate and geography are not conducive to large-scale honey production.

This decline in bee populations has significant implications for food security, biodiversity, and the overall health of ecosystems. The primary culprit behind this decline is the widespread use of pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids, which have been linked to cognitive impairment and colony collapse disorder (CCD). The impact of pesticides on bees is multifaceted, affecting their foraging behavior, navigation, and communication.

This legislation, known as the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, outlines a comprehensive plan to protect and restore biodiversity across the EU. The strategy emphasizes the importance of nature-based solutions, sustainable land management practices, and the integration of biodiversity considerations into all policy areas. The Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 sets ambitious targets for the EU, aiming to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.