When a Worcester-based beekeeper, who provides large-scale pollination services to farms, arrived to inspect his hives at a blueberry farm, he was met with a devastating sight — 600 honeybee colonies lost in a single incident. “I’m in a big financial crisis,” the beekeeper shared, underscoring the heavy toll on both his livelihood and the farmers who rely on his bees for pollination. His experience reflects a broader trend: a sharp rise in honey bee poisonings across the Western Cape, according to the Western Cape Bee Industry Association (WCBA). But rather than assigning blame, leaders in the industry are calling for urgent collaboration to protect both bees and agriculture.

Bees: Essential Partners in Food Production

Honey bees play a crucial but often overlooked role in agriculture, pollinating more than 50 vital crops in South Africa — from fruits like apples and berries to nuts and vegetables. Without bees, many of these foods would become scarce and costly. “Without healthy and thriving honey bee populations, the agricultural output of the Western Cape will face severe challenges, potentially leading to reduced crop yields and economic losses for the province,” explains Chris Nicklin, Chairman of the WCBA. Nicklin emphasises that bees are essential not just for beekeepers but for the entire agricultural economy and consumers who rely on a stable food supply.

Pesticides: The Need for Responsible Use and Better Communication

Central to the bee losses are agricultural pesticides and fungicides, which, if misused, can have devastating effects on bees. While these chemicals are crucial for managing pests and diseases, ignoring bee-specific warnings — such as avoiding application during full bloom — leads to unintended bee poisonings. Dr. Gerhard Verdoorn, Stewardship and Operations Manager at CropLife South Africa, confirms the growing concern: “The rate of bee poisoning incidents has increased alarmingly over the past two years. Bee-specific warnings on pesticide labels are often ignored, resulting in mass bee mortality when pesticides are applied during periods of active pollination in crop fields or orchards.” He also warns of off-label use, including unlawful aerial spraying of substances like imidacloprid, a systemic insecticide highly toxic to bees, which poses a direct risk to pollinators when applied contrary to instructions.

Working Together: How Beekeepers and Farmers Can Find Solutions

In response, the WCBA is leading efforts to bring beekeepers and farmers into closer dialogue. With scientific support from Professor Robin Crewe, one of South Africa’s leading entomologists, the WCBA is establishing a central database to track bee poisoning incidents. This data will help identify trends and guide solutions. To support beekeepers in responding to these incidents, the WCBA is also developing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to help manage and mitigate the impact of bee poisonings. The SOP aims to provide beekeepers with clear steps to follow when poisonings occur — from gathering evidence and accessing laboratory testing to working with farmers and authorities. “We want to ensure that beekeepers are equipped to handle these crises properly, and that there is a consistent way to address and report them,” says Nicklin. “But ultimately, prevention is the goal — and that requires cooperation from everyone involved in agriculture.” Nicklin highlights the importance of collaboration over confrontation: “The welfare of our indigenous honey bees is not merely a beekeeping issue — it should concern everyone. By working together, farmers and beekeepers can protect pollination services essential to agriculture.”

A Path Forward: Education, Better Practices, and Smart Regulation

Rather than focusing solely on stricter laws, industry leaders are advocating for a balanced approach — combining better enforcement of existing regulations with farmer education and practical guidelines to minimise risks to bees. “This is a crisis that requires immediate attention and decisive action,” says Nicklin. “But it’s also an opportunity to create partnerships between farmers, beekeepers, and regulators — so that both bees and agriculture can thrive.” With open communication, responsible pesticide use, and shared commitment, there’s hope that South Africa’s bees — and the agriculture they support — can be protected for generations to come.