Are these figures correct? Only 600?

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from
http://www.medovina.com/

A Global Bee Crisis

The honeybee as a feral species is near or at extinction.  Stresses from
mites, viruses, pesticides and pollution are all contributing to the demise
of the honeybee.  If you see a colony of bees in the wild in America, it is
most likely a swarm of bees that issued from a managed colony of bees.
There are now less than 600 commercial beekeepers in America.  They produce
75% of America's honey crop (a $260 million industry).  Equally important,
or perhaps more so, these 600 beekeepers are responsible for most of the
crop pollination in America (a $17 billion industry).

Commercial beekeepers in America are also running the track to
extinction. Just over 3 years ago we had over 3,000 commercial beekeepers
in America. Bee losses are resulting in costs that are simply not possible
to recover from.

You can help.  Buy a bottle of mead several times a year and you will
contribute in an increase in demand for quality American honey that can not
be achieved by any other means.  This will provide cash flow to beekeepers
which perhaps will allow them to make the better choices (which are often
more costly) regarding managing their bees through the crisis.

Drink Mead, save a honey bee!

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