PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Losses of commercial honey bee colonies are projected to be the highest on record in the last decade, according to Washington State University scientists.

In a press release, university scientists said the colonies could decline by up to 70% this year, while average losses have typically been up to 50% annually.

While there have been steady declines in bee population, there is no definitive cause as to why the colony losses are higher this year. However, WSU scientists said they believe it could be a combination of nutrition issues, mite infestations, diseases, as well as possible pesticide exposure.

This could directly impact food whose growers rely on pollinators. Further, fewer bees mean higher costs for farmers and “increased hassle” in making sure the demand is met, according to WSU.

“If we see increasing colony losses, we could see a drop-off in honey production and an increase in the rent growers pay beekeepers to bring pollinators in,” said Priya Chakrabarti Basu, an assistant professor of pollinator health and apiculture at WSU. “We may just see some beekeepers cease operations completely because it’s too expensive to continue as a business.”

In 2023, honey bees had a production value of nearly $350 million, according to the USDA.

Overall, 35% of the world’s food supply depends on pollinators.