Protecting Our Food Supply Starts With Honeybees
Honeybee populations are declining in California, putting our food supply, farms, and local economy at risk.
Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom is working to protect honeybees in California and support agriculture across San Joaquin County and the state.
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Over 90 California crops depend on pollinators like honeybees • $69 million in honeybee pollinated crops in San Joaquin County (2024)
Why Honeybees Matter in California
Honeybees play a critical role in how we grow the food we rely on every day.
They help pollinate more than 100 crops across California, including fruits, nuts, and vegetables that families depend on. Healthy honeybee populations support farmers, protect jobs, and help keep food available and affordable.
In San Joaquin County alone, honeybee pollinated crops were worth more than $69 million in 2024.
Why Honeybee Populations Are Declining
Honeybee populations in California and across the country are facing serious challenges.
Beekeepers report losses caused by:
- Disease and parasites such as Varroa mites
- Pesticide exposure
- Loss of habitat and forage
When honeybee populations decline, farmers struggle to pollinate crops, which can impact food production and increase costs for families.
Protecting Honeybees in California
Assemblymember Ransom is advocating for a California Honeybee Health Program to support beekeepers and protect pollinators.
This effort would:
- Provide technical support for beekeepers
- Improve disease prevention and response
- Strengthen long-term honeybee health and pollination services
At a time when federal support is being reduced, California must step up to protect our food supply and agricultural economy.
How You Can Help Protect Honeybees
Everyone can play a role in protecting honeybees in California. A few simple steps can make a real difference:
- Plant bee-friendly flowers throughout the year
- Use pesticides carefully and only when necessary
- Support local beekeepers by purchasing local honey
Small actions across our communities can help protect pollinators and strengthen California agriculture.
Stay Connected
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Listen
LookWest Podcast "Save the Honeybees" – Released Thursday, April 23, 2026
Hear more about this issue in the LookWest podcast featuring Assemblymember Ransom.
Learn what’s happening to honeybee populations and how California can respond.
