Apis Mercantile

As a honey processor and bottler, we want to make sure that we are aware of our impact on the food systems that we take part in, and the ways that we might positively affect change for the betterment of our community, the honeybee population, and our planet. With so many factors negatively impacting the bee population from the decrease of diverse pollinator forage, increased environmental stressors, climate change, pests, disease, pesticide use, and more, systemic change is necessary to meet the needs to the moment. By taking a big-picture view of the problem, the answers become more clear: radical change is necessary. Since the 1970s, we have seen an increase in monoculture farming largely driven by government subsidies and the consolidation of the industry. This change in the agricultural landscape has had profound impacts on the amount of land farmed, destroying once plentiful pollinator forage, the number of pesticides used, and the separation of food producers and consumers. While we cannot change the entire agricultural economy, we can do our best to be conscientious participants in our food system. So, we are committed to sourcing our honey directly from regional beekeepers located in the Southeastern United States. We do not work with food conglomerates or brokerages; this means more money stays with the beekeepers and is subsequently circulated in our regional economy. We are committed to changing our food system by advocating and lobbying for thoughtful farm policy. When customers buy a jar of Apis Mercantile honey, they are purchasing more than a bottle of honey; they are buying into a movement for real systemic change. Be the change! Help us create a new food paradigm and strengthen our regional food economy.