Why the decline in bees matters

A honeybee on blossom - becoming a rare sight as a third have perished according to a survey by the British Beekeepers' Association (BBKA) Photograph: Judi Bottoni/AP

A bee farmer transporting hives. Bees pollinate a third of everything we eat. In the UK alone, bee pollinaton is worth around £165m to the economy in increased yields Photograph: Maria Stenzel/Getty

A field of borage (starflower) rich in nectar, which has been a major source of English honey in last few years. Fields are now being replanted with wheat leading to a shortage of English honey Photograph: Phil Yeomans/Rex Features

The Honey Association warned last month that English honey will run out by Christmas and no more will be available until summer 2009 Photograph: Tim Graham/Getty

An apple tree orchard. The BBKA estimates bee pollination is worth £86m to apple growing Photograph: Mark Bolton/Corbis

Oilseed rape fields, ideal for hard set honey. The BBKA estimates bee pollination is worth £25m to oilseed cultivation Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty

Raspberries. The BBKA estimates bee pollination is worth £20m to raspberry growers Photograph: Tim Graham/Getty

The varroa mite. The blood-sucking parasite is thought to be a major killer of bees in the UK by spreading viruses Photograph: Visuals Unlimited/Corbis

Defra says last year's wet summer was a major culprit as bees were confined to the hive and disease spread Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty

A bee under a microscope. The BBKA is calling £8m from the government to find the causes of bee deaths and improve bee health Photograph: Getty