Use of agrochemicals reduces honey production in the State of Mexico and puts bees at risk

The intensive use of agrochemicals in different regions of the State of Mexico has significantly reduced honey production, endangering the lives of bees, the main producers of this natural food and essential for pollination.

This was stated in an interview with El Sol de Toluca by Julio Contreras Taboada, director of the Agro Red Estado de México Foundation.

"Honey production has declined due to the excessive use of agrochemicals," according to Taboada.

A growing environmental problem

Also a producer, Taboada explained that this environmental problem began approximately a decade ago and has intensified as more farmers routinely apply these chemicals.

"Agrochemicals are applied in areas close to neighboring crops, which increases the risk to bees," he noted.

Affected Regions and Loss of Wildflowers

In Mexico’s upper Toluca Valley, especially near the Xinantécatl volcano, potato cultivation has wreaked havoc on beehives. The chemicals used on this potato are directly affecting bees.

In municipalities in the south of the State of Mexico, such as Tonatico, Malinalco, Villa Guerrero, and Ixtapan de la Sal, where flower crops predominate, the use of agrochemicals in the production of roses, sunflowers, and other flowers also contributes to this problem.

Furthermore, the spraying of these compounds is destroying wildflowers, the main food source for bees. Without flowering, there is no pollination, and without pollination, there is no honey production or ecological balance.

"Bees are dying, and the natural environment is deteriorating," Contreras warned.

Lack of Legislation and Awareness

Taboada lamented that, although they have reported the situation to the authorities, there is currently no law prohibiting or regulating the use of agrochemicals near beekeeping areas. Therefore, Agro Red has taken action to raise awareness among producers about the damage these substances cause to the environment, promoting the use of less harmful inputs.

"Unfortunately, there is no legal impediment to these practices. All we seek is to raise environmental awareness and encourage the use of more ecosystem-friendly alternatives," Taboada stated.

However, he acknowledged that the fight has been complicated, as many farmers, flower growers, and peasants prioritize their own interests without considering the environmental, food, and social consequences.