Pollination and food shortages

Most of us never think about what bees do besides make honey and supply one half of the age old parental discussion about the "birds and the bees".  However, they do also pollinate most of the food crops humanity depends on.  Which is why the latest news about die-offs of up to 50% of many hives in the US is worrisome to many people involved in food production.  Some evidence points to the use of new, powerful nicotine derived pesticides as the culprit.  These powerful systemics are incorporated in the seeds being planted or sprayed early on.  According to scientists, the long lasting effects of these chemicals are passed along in pollen the innocent bees bring back to the hives.  It actually makes the insects forget to eat, which leads to starvation in the midst of plenty.  Many of the nation's commercial apiaries are unable to supply the thousands of hives and tens of millions of bees necessary to pollinate the orchards and fields which supply the bounty we take for granted. Higher food prices and shortages of fruit and vegetables will force many of us to stop taking the lowly bees for granted.