Dear Fellow Beekeepers,
 
I am writing an article on beekeeping for a national womens' magazine and
need to check a fact.  In the first draft of the article I say, "But
America’s crops are in danger. Mites are decimating the honeybee population.
 Many fruits and vegetables depend on bees for pollination---over five
billion dollars worth each year---yet the wild bees have all but disappeared.
"
 
Now, I got that fact from somewhere, but cannot remember just where. What is
important is does anyone now if that is correct.  Or could it be more?  Six
billion?  Seven?  I would appreciate any input into this.  Who knows, it
might encourage some more people to go into beekeeping, if only do help do
their patriotic duty.
 
Thanks, 
 
Faith Andrews Bedford, Beekeeper, Ivy VA and Tampa