Keeping step with other urban-ag-conscious
cities, DC Mayor Vincent Gray recently signed a bill into effect that would
formally legalize backyard beekeeping in DC. The legislation, which is part of the
Sustainable DC Plan, specifically targets urban beekeeping as a means to promote urban agriculture.
Highlighting the broad initiative of sustainable "food," the plan aims
to "put 20 additional acres of land under cultivation for growing food"
by 2032. The legislation notes, "A stronger local food supply and
distribution
system will ensure that District residents have better access to healthy
and affordable food from full-service grocery stores, farmers’ markets,
and community and commercial agriculture projects within their
neighborhoods." Where local garden and agriculture projects are taking
shape, honeybees are an obvious step toward increased crop yield and
easier access to nutritious food.
