(NewsNation) — As honeybee populations decline at unprecedented rates, honey prices are expected to rise. Honeybees play a critical role in agriculture. Beekeepers describe the decline as catastrophic, and some experts warn the crisis could affect both honey and produce prices well beyond the s ummer. California hive theft up 87% since 2013 Colonies could decline by 60 to 70% this year due to a dangerous combination of mites, pesticides, habitat loss and hive theft. Trader Joe's new tote bags reselling for hundreds In California, hive theft is up 87% since 2013, with 10,000 hives stolen — worth more than $3.5 million. Thefts are most common during almond season, when farmers pay between $185 and $300 per hive. Honeybees pollinate 35% of world's crops Prices for popular summer produce — such as almonds, apples, strawberries and avocados — are expected to increase. Honeybees pollinate roughly 35% of the world's food crops, so fewer bees mean lower yields and higher prices for fresh produce, jams, jellies and baked goods. Honeybees contribute about $17 billion annually to U.S. agriculture production, including more than $4 billion from almonds alone, according to Project Apis. ...read more read less