Profit From the Plight of the Honeybee

Fidelity Select Consumer Staples (FDFAX), Pequot Capital Management and the hedge fund arm of private equity fund Blackstone Kailix Advisors are among the large institutional investors who own a stake in Archer Daniels.

Another idea is to look for companies that create new types of seeds that may not require bee pollination. The bet here is Monsanto(MON Quote).

Monsanto uses genomics and advanced plant technology around the world to produce new, patentable -- and profitable -- plants. The company is based in St. Louis, but it operates worldwide, including in India. Of course, you should watch developments closely should Monsanto's genetic engineering turn out to be the cause of the bee problem.

Monsanto is a favorite at Lone Pine Capital and Maverick Capital -- two funds that spun out of superfund Tiger Management. Tiger, one of the most successful funds ever, was run by investor Julian Robertson for decades before disbanding in 2001.

Many of the foods you know and love may vanish. To make up for the deficiency, turn to the food chemists at International Flavors & Fragrances(IFF Quote). Oranges, lemons and peaches may be gone, but fear not. The IFF food chemists will be able to recreate that fruity smell, even if the food is soy-based.

Aston/Optimum Mid Cap I (ABMIX), a fund run by Thyra Zerhusen with an annual return of 17.4%, counts IFF among its holdings.

However, if the Biblical prophecy angle turns out to be correct, buy the streetTracks Gold ETF(GLD Quote) on the way to Armageddon.