Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) (a.k.a. Honey Bee Depopulation Syndrome or HBDS) is a phenomenon in which worker bees from a beehive or European honey bee colony abruptly disappear. While such disappearances have occurred throughout the history of apiculture, the term colony collapse disorder was first applied to a drastic rise in the number of disappearances of Western honey bee colonies in North America in late 2006. Colony collapse is economically significant because many agricultural crops worldwide are pollinated by bees.

The cause or causes of the syndrome are not yet fully understood, although many authorities attribute the problem to biotic factors such as Varroa mites and various insectrelated diseases. Other proposed causes include environmental change-related stresses, malnutrition, pesticides and migratory beekeeping. More speculative possibilities have included both cell phone radiation and genetically modified (GM) crops with pest control characteristics, though most experts say no evidence exists for either assertion. It has also been suggested that it may be due to a combination of many factors and that no single factor is the cause.

After learning about Colony Collapse Disorder, Sprouts! launched its “Bee Kind” campaign in 2008 by implementing one of its most successful product innovations ever – the development of plantable seeded “bee friendly” paper that contained 100% pollinator-friendly flower seeds. When the paper is planted in the earth, the flowers that bloom forth will attract honeybees as well as a variety of native bees. Individuals who plant Sprouts! bee friendly paper can create a haven of sustainability for a diverse population of pollinators, including the vanishing honeybee.

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