As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the rich tones of fall, September ushers in a special time for honey lovers and beekeepers alike—National Honey Month. Established in 1989 by the National Honey Board, this annual celebration recognizes the importance of honeybees and the golden honey they produce. Our home state of Virginia has proclaimed September to be Virginia Honey Month as well. Whether you’re a fan of local honey, a backyard gardener, or simply someone who values the environment, National Honey Month is a time to appreciate the sweet rewards of nature and the tiny pollinators that make it all possible.
The History of National Honey Month
National Honey Month was created to raise awareness about the beekeeping industry and the benefits of honey. Since honey production peaks during the late summer and early fall, September was the perfect time to celebrate this natural sweetener. This month-long observance helps to shine a spotlight on honey’s versatility in our kitchens and its importance to our health and wellbeing. It also brings much-needed attention to the vital role that honeybees play in our ecosystem.
The Significance of Honeybees
Honeybees are not just producers of honey; they are essential pollinators that play a critical role in our food supply. Bees pollinate over 80% of flowering plants, including about 75% of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Without these diligent pollinators, the variety and abundance of food available to us would be significantly diminished. From the almonds in your snack to the apples in your pie, honeybees are key players in getting food from the farm to your table.
Unfortunately, honeybees and other pollinators are facing challenges that threaten their populations. Pesticides, habitat loss, climate change, and diseases have all contributed to the decline of these vital insects. This is why initiatives like National Honey Month are so important—they encourage us to take action to save the bees and support sustainable beekeeping practices.
Why Local Honey is Special
One of the best ways to celebrate National Honey Month is by enjoying local honey. Local honey is not only delicious, but it also has several benefits:
- Support for Local Beekeepers: Buying local honey helps support small-scale beekeepers who prioritize the health of their bees and the environment.
- Sustainable Choice: By choosing local honey, you reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting honey from faraway places.
- Know Your Food: When you buy local food, you can see exactly where you food came from and know how it was produced.
How You Can Help Save the Bees
As we celebrate National Honey Month, it’s also a reminder of the steps we can take to protect honeybees and other pollinators:
- Plant Pollinator-Friendly Gardens: Fill your garden with native plants that provide nectar and pollen for bees. Consider planting flowers like sunflowers, lavender, and coneflowers, which are particularly attractive to bees.
- Avoid Pesticides: Opt for organic or natural pest control methods in your garden. Pesticides can be harmful to bees and other beneficial insects.
- Support Bee-Friendly Products: Look for honey and other products that are labeled as “bee-friendly” or “sustainably sourced.”
- Spread the Word: Educate your friends and family about the importance of bees and how they can help protect them.
Celebrate with Us!
At Apiary Select, we’re proud to be part of the beekeeping community. This National Honey Month, we’re celebrating the hardworking bees and the delicious honey they produce. Whether you’re a fan of our raw honey or want to learn more about our sustainable beekeeping practices, we’re here to share our passion for honeybees with you. Explore our website or follow us on social media to join the celebration and learn more about how you can make a difference.