Reversing a prohibition in place since 1999, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has once again allowed honey beekeepers to practice their craft, provided they register with the agency.   

Beekeeping is a tradition in urban centers around the world.“Through our research we found that if beekeepers in an urban setting follow good beekeeping practices, it can be done in a way that doesn’t present a nuisance,” Nancy Clark, NYC assistant health commissioner for environmental disease prevention, told The New York Times.    

The city Health Department also came around to the position of beekeeping advocates that this practice promotes sustainable agriculture, not only within the Big Apple but also in the organic garden of the White House .

“Bees are crucial pollinators, and the ban was a barrier to expanding agriculture in the city,” said Nadia Johnson, a coordinator for Just Food, which led the campaign to re-legalize honey beekeeping. Just Food advocates environmentally responsible food production within city limits.