One of every three bites of food we eat is there because of pollination by bees. For nearly 10 years the phenomenon known as Colonie Collapse Disorder has devastated bee populations globally. Small scale beekeepers are a key to addressing this issue. Individuals putting up just one or two hives can have a great impact on local bee populations. The more people who join in these efforts, the greater the impact. Farms, orchards, vineyards, and greenhouses need bees to thrive. States are already setting up grants to assist independent beekeepers in getting started. The start-up costs range from $200 to $500 per hive. Education, a key to creating a healthy colonie, can increase this cost. By setting up grants for beekeepers, New York can add itself to the list of states taking a proactive approach to rebuilding the bee population before the devastation reaches an insurmountable level. The cost of food, the survival of the New York agricultural community, and so much more rest on the backs of these small, yet important creatures. Support beekeepers willing to take on the fight against CCD.