Florence farmer keeps an eye on honey bee health
FLORENCE, S.C. – Honey bees exert an outsized influence on the larger ecosystem. As a keystone species, their health affects the health of garden plants and foods including tree nuts, fruits, vegetables and berries.And for nearly a decade, the honey bee populations have been in peril. Committees in Washington have devoted investigations to what’s become known as colony collapse disorder. And with about 3,000 beekeepers in the state, South Carolina has a stake in the health of the honey bee.