Home News Almond milk, the end of the bees?

Almond milk, the end of the bees?

In recent times there is a clear trend that points towards the Veganism and environmental respect. In addition, the search for alternatives that can reduce the consumption of products of animal origin has led to the rise of vegetable alternatives. One of the clearest examples is that of the almond milk In countries like the United States, its intake has multiplied by far. But, do you know that this product can carry serious problems at bees? Oddly enough, there are several studies that show that this can be the end of the species.

What is almond milk?

Before seeing the problems that this product can cause to the ecosystem and, above all, to bees, you have to understand what it really is. And it is that, the Almond milk it is not properly milk. In fact, the correct way to refer to the product is Almond "drink". This is so because it does not come from an animal but from the tree prunus dulcis, which is cultivated in various regions of the world. However, in the California Valley are the largest production centers.

A report from The Guardian has estimated that the 80% of production everyone comes from this place. And this is where the problem comes from. Since the bees in charge of generating this Almond milk they are literally dying of fatigue. Proof of this are the 50 billion of bees that lost their lives in winter 2020. Although, the main reason is attributed to irresponsible use of pesticides for agriculture, the truth is that as the industry that produces vegan foods advances, the supervivencia of this species is even more difficult.

Almond milk
Almond milk. Source: cocinadelirante.com (pinterest.com)

The main reason

As we have already mentioned before, the massive belief of farmers affirms that the high mortality rate of bees is due to the huge amounts of pesticides used for the cultivation of this fruit. But, coupled with all this, there are other reasons that can explain such a situation. And it is that, the pollination of almonds is especially demanding for bees. For it forces them to wake up from their annual period of winter slumber.

Last but not least, once they start their work, there are a large number of bees that concentrate on small geographic areas, which facilitates disease spread between them. In addition, based on a study that analyzes the methods of conservation of bees, the INIA maintains that the main threat to the disappearance of bees is the loss of habitat.

 

See this post on Instagram

 

A shared publication of 𝑽𝑰𝑻𝑨 🌱 Warehouse Healthy (@ vitaalmacensaludable.ok)

The problem of industrial agriculture

Despite the fact that those described above are the main causes of the loss of bees, environmentalists maintain that the real culprit is someone else. They talk about the US dependence on industrial farming methods. And, especially those used by the almond industry, which requires a large mechanization of pollination.

The truth is that bees develop well in a biodiverse environment, but this California factory farming puts them in monocultures where growers expect them to be profitable all year round and on a regular basis. In fact, you could say that the American government uses as "livestock" these animals for the production of the more than valued Almond milk. And, as a more than worrying fact, each year more bees die in the United States than all fish and animals bred for the slaughter.

Bees making honey in the honeycomb
Bees making honey in the honeycomb

It has a solution?

Like the vast majority of problems, this one can also have a solution. Whenever the necessary remedies. In fact, there are already some organizations that have launched program to help protect bees. In addition to pointing out to consumers which products have been made with methods more respectful with themselves.

Therefore, if you want to continue enjoying the delicious Almond milk it is essential to be aware of your environmental impact. And launch the necessary initiatives to generate a change in production system. Either eliminating, as far as possible, the use of pesticides on plants or avoiding overcrowding of bees during pollination.

Have you ever tried the Almond milk? It is a product of quality and that it will allow you to choose an alternative to products of animal origin. But, you have been able to verify that the cultivation of its fruit can cause serious problems that, without a doubt, must be corrected. Bees are one of the most important animals for our survival so ... You have to take care of them!

Share