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es have been rising. Greenhouse produce, including tomatoes and peppers, also suf- fers, since it's commonly pollinated by mail- order bumblebees bought by the box. Those bees, too, are showing poor survival rates; one theory is that unregulated interstate movement of bumblebees has exposed them to the same pathogens and disease as com- mercial honeybees. Current Suspects A growing body of research blames the routinely applied neonicotinoid class of pes- ticides (neonics, for short), manufactured by Bayer CropScience, Syngenta, and Dow AgroSciences. Additional culprits include fungicides, herbicides, the scourge of blood- sucking varroa mites, widespread habitat loss, climate change, and lack of a diverse diet for bees due to monoculture. Still other scientists have pointed an accusatory finger at cell phone towers for disrupting the navi- gation paths of honeybees. Last year the European Union restrict- ed the use of seed-coating neonics for a two- year trial. Studies had found the pesticide disorients worker bees' brains—making them appear drunk—so they can't forage for food or find their way back to their hives; it also weakens their immune system and makes them vulnerable to new diseases. If neonics are indeed a cause for the decline, it's unclear if giving bees a two-year breather from the toxin will make much difference. "How long neonics can stay in the environment is hard to know," says Elaine Evans, who works at the University of Minnesota's Bee Lab in the Department of Entomology. "If they've been continually added to crops they can build up over the years in the soil. Even if all pesticides were removed, there can still be a lack of f lowers for bees to get to, and there are still going to be diseases and pests. Neonics are just one piece of the puzzle." "We have been affected by the prob- lem of pesticides and herbicides," affirms Kate Dowdle, public relations director for Jelly Belly 1 oz. Stocking Stuffer Bags Featuring Mickey and Minnie, characters from Star Wars and Frozen. Plus, Jelly Belly seasonal items. Jelly Belly Reindeer Corn® Jelly Belly Christmas Mix © Disney © & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Star Wars TM Jelly Belly Holiday Favorites Gift Box 5 seasonal holiday favorites, all in one box. Jelly Belly Draft Beer Jelly Beans The innovative treat for beer lovers everywhere, alcohol free! ©Disney FROZEN ® ™ © 2014 Jelly Belly Candy Company ©Disney Mickey & Minnie Farmers across the country truck in millions of migrant, commercial honeybees for a few days' work at sometimes triple the cost it used to be. 28 ❘ SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE specialtyfood.com