# Our Food System Depends on Domesticated Bees. Can They Survive Industrial Agriculture?

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/kqed-s-forum-910728/our-food-system-depends-on-domesticated-bees-can-they-survive-industrial-agriculture
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/kqed-s-forum-910728/our-food-system-depends-on-domesticated-bees-can-they-survive-industrial-agriculture.md
Podcast: [KQED's Forum](https://stenobird.com/podcast/kqed-s-forum-910728)
Published: 2026-07-08T19:10:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/KQINC2483613897.mp3
Audio file: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/KQINC2483613897.mp3
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Duration seconds: 3286

## Resource

When we think about the workers that keep California’s agriculture afloat, we rarely think about the bees that fertilize our crops. In places like California’s Central Valley, millions of domesticated bee colonies are transported in and out of the state to pollinate crops and to keep our food system running. But between intense workcycles, pesticide exposure and a changing climate, industrial agriculture has proven hard for bees. Can the bees continue to survive in these conditions? In this hour we speak to science writer Jennie Durant about her new book, “Bitter Honey: Big Ag’s Threat to Bees and the Fight to Save Them.” Guests: Jennie Durant, science writer and author, “Bitter Honey: Big Ag’s Threat to Bees and the Fight to Save Them” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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