There is essentially no current risk that almond farmers will lose access to the livestock bees that pollinate their crops.

Well, I wasn't claiming there was, but not quite sure what to infer from your comment.

I mean, I know (from recent reading) that there's a fairly intensive operation to maintain hives exclusively for almond farming. Are you saying these are not affected by CCD, neonics, or whatever?

CCD manifests itself as greater overwintering losses to colonies. Bee farmers have lots of colonies. They can split colonies and buy new queens. It's not like Dutch Elm disease; it doesn't kill all the bees.

I see. So are you saying that the "bee problem" is overblown and we can farm our way out of it?