2019 is all but over, and it’s safe to say it’s been a decade full of big changes. Perhaps the most obvious example is how modern technology has impacted the world, both socially and culturally. But these changes have also had a ripple effect across nature and into the animal kingdom. In the last decade, the honey industry has seen some major changes and has been the topic of much interest. From Colony Collapse Disorder to the advent of robot bees, read on to catch up on the wildest bee and honey news in the last decade!

1. Colony Collapse Disorder
   Chances are, you’ve probably heard of Colony Collapse Disorder by now. It’s the reason bee populations are decreasing worldwide. It’s also the cause for the #savethebees movement. While the first incident of this was actually reported in 2006, Colony Collapse has remained a problem over the past 10 years. Conservationists are still looking for solutions.
2. Human Pollination in China
   The death of bee populations in certain regions of China has also been a cause for concern. It poses the question, who will pollinate crops if bees aren’t around to do it? The solution for now seems to be human pollination. Yes, farmers in China are actually pollinating crops by hand. This serves as an important reminder to save the bees!
3. Robot Bees
   This one sounds like it should belong in some dystopian sci-fi film. But, robotic bees are actually in the works to fill the role of pollinator in the case that bee populations continue to decline. Check out the tiny drone invention here.
4. Adulterated Honey
   A sizable amount of honey on the market is adulterated with antibiotics, diluted with high fructose corn syrup, and filtered of its natural pollen. Chinese honey is often adulterated in one or more of these ways. Although there are bans on Chinese honey from entering the U.S., it still makes it onto shelves thanks to illegal relabeling. If you’re in need of honey, your best bet is to buy within the U.S. to ensure you’ve purchased pure honey.
5. The Manuka Question
   Manuka is a type of honey that is produced exclusively in Australia and New Zealand. It comes from the pollen of the manuka plant, which is grown in both countries. Over the past year, however, New Zealand has been trying to claim rights over the title of manuka honey in China. The two countries are at odds over this issue, yet the outcome is uncertain for now.

With 2020 rapidly approaching, the last decade provides important insights for the future of bees and the honey industry. Our mission has always been to protect your health, the bees, and the planet. As we move forward into the next year and the next decade, our products will provide you with health, while sustaining the lives of the pollinators that humankind so heavily relies on for survival.