Queens Farm is expanding its apiary with 12 brand-new honeybee hives, continuing its 40+ year legacy of beekeeping. This initiative enhances pollination across the farm and surrounding areas while increasing honey production to approximately 1,000 pounds per year in partnership with beekeeper Ruth Harrigan of HoneyGramz.

To deepen public engagement, Queens Farm is pleased to announce various educational programming highlighting honeybees’ critical role in sustaining our ecosystem. With native and honey bee populations in decline due to climate change, urban development, pesticides, and other environmental challenges, our property plays a crucial role in supporting these essential pollinators. Bees are fundamental to our food system, with nearly one-third of U.S. food crops relying on their pollination.

Ruth, a dedicated Queens beekeeper since 2010, discovered her passion for beekeeping through an unexpected journey. Ruth came across a petition advocating for the legalization of beekeeping in New York City. Intrigued, she signed the petition and enrolled in a beekeeping course. As fate would have it, the beekeeping ban was lifted just as she completed the class in March 2010—and she has been a beekeeper ever since.