Not So Sweet: Long Island Crops Stung By Lack Of Local Bees

Homebuyers who can’t afford the cost of a house here and Long Island and homeowners sick of paying unrealistically high taxes are not the only ones swarming off The Island. In fact, according to officials, it seems like many of our “native” honey bees are also making their way out. In fact, they suggest that if the shortage continues, Long Island can experience a nearly $100-million affect on crops and it could cost the country up to $90 billion in agricultural deficits.

Agricultural experts however add that Long Island is not the only area realizing a loss. In fact, they suggest that the problem is nationwide with millions of bees seemingly having vacated 35 states, without an obviously apparent reason. Still some suggest that the disappearance may be due to weather and the proliferation of mites.

And, while research efforts are expected to be underway, a new bill proposed back in May calls for $250 million to be designated over a 10 year span to the Agricultural Research Service for the research and a solution to this potentially devastating problem.

Experts go on to note that without bees available to pollinate local crops, literally millions of dollars could be lost and almost every type of fruit and vegetable grown here on Long Island.

Still, up until now, the lack of bees has not been devastating and the farming industry has experienced few repercussions, but, with that said, experts suggest we are not out of the water just yet.

In fact, some express concern for what lies ahead including an impact on fruits such as apples, peaches and pears; as well as, pumpkins, tomatoes and even some flowers.

They go on to say that Long Island’s farming industry generated $250 million in revenue annually and our area is among the State’s most lucrative and productive farming regions.