Guest Post: Bees in Supply Chains

Professor Howard Weiss, retired from Temple U., is the developer of the POM and Excel OM software that we provide free with our text.

In late May, a truck carrying beehives crashed and overturned in Washington state near the Canadian border. The crash resulted in the unintended release of 14 million bees. The truck was transporting roughly 450 hives with bee colonies in them with a collective value of roughly $160,000.

Following the accident, two dozen master beekeepers were employed in a coordinated effort to help with the recovery by reconstructing roughly 300 beehives one by one and capturing many of the honeybees. There was not a total loss of the $160,000 but there were significant losses due to the costs of labor for cleanup, restoration of the beehives and capture of the bees.

There was a loss of income for the bees’ services because the accident caused a delay in the supply chain for several different industries. The good news is that the bees that were not recaptured will form hives in the area and re- pollinate in northern Washington. In addition, the accident prompted authorities to create a bee response plan to be written into emergency management protocols.

The Food Supply Chain.  Bees are essential for several reasons. The obvious use of bees is in making honey. All the bees on this truck were to be used in the supply chains for food. Some of the bees on the truck were to be used to produce honey and some hives were to be rented out to farmers to be used to fertilize crops.
Bees are critical for pollinating over 90% of the world’s top crops including nuts, coffee, cocoa, tomatoes and almonds. Without bees, crops would not grow as well, which would mean lower yields and less availability. Crops that feed livestock would also be affected. Without bees, food availability and prices would rise.

The Medical/Pharmaceutical Supply Chain.  Bees and bee-related products have also been used medically for antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Some of these uses have documented scientific support whereas others do not.

The Clothing Supply Chain. The textile industry would be affected since bees help with cotton production.

Other Supply Chains.  Beeswax, the wax bees secrete to build honeycombs, has been used for waterproofing, fuel, cosmetics, kitchen wrap, cooking, furniture polish, lubricant, sealing envelopes, bug bite balm and candles.