Wild bees have been found to be more effective pollinators than managed honey bees, emphasizing the ecological complexity behind honey production's role in food security.

A 2021 study highlighted that wild honey bees contribute significantly to global food systems, often surpassing managed bees in pollination efficiency. This suggests that honey production supports not only direct economic outputs from honey but also conserves pollinator biodiversity essential for crop pollination services, reinforcing ecosystem resilience and food security.