With the disappearance of America’s bees, a California tradition is changing, reports Colorado Public Radio. Beekeepers flock to California every spring to watch billions of honeybees pollinate the state's almond trees. But now, many almond growers are switching to a new breed of tree that grows what are known as Independence almonds. These almond trees are special because they’re self-pollinating. That’s good news for farmers, who spend lots of money hiring bees to pollinate their crop. Independence almonds are also important given that as much as 40 percent of the honeybees in the West have vanished in recent years.
There simply aren’t enough bees to go around anymore. Traditionally, almond farmers needed about two beehives per acre to pollinate their orchards. But with independence almonds, a half a hive per acre will suffice.
It’s one way to fix a growing problem in a world that’s increasingly becoming devoid of bees.
