Hochul promotes New York state maple industry during Maple Month

Maple syrup production reached record high 845,000 gallons in 2022; ranks second in nation

√ New Yorkers encouraged to support local producers by participating in Maple Weekends, March 18-19, 25-26, with special promotions throughout March

Gov. Kathy Hochul encouraged New Yorkers to support their local maple producers. The governor highlighted New York's upcoming Maple Weekends events and activities, which will take place March 18-19 and 25-26, along with other special events and promotions throughout the month.

Her team said, “New York maple producers experienced a record-breaking year in 2022, producing 845,000 gallons of maple syrup. New York state continues to rank second in the nation in maple production.”

Hochul said, "Maple production in New York is thriving, as the industry continues to set records and ranks second in the nation in this sweet crop. I thank our producers who work hard to make the delicious, innovative and unique maple products we all enjoy, and encourage all New Yorkers to take part in Maple Weekends this month to sample some of the world-class items that local vendors have to offer."

A press release noted, “In addition to its ranking for maple production, New York is also home to the largest resource of tappable maple trees within the United States, and more than 2,000 maple sugar makers. In 2022, New York's maple industry used 2.9 million taps, tying 2021's record for the largest number of taps used in a single year.

“The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets supports the maple industry through the New York state budget – which includes funding for promotion and educational programs – as well as through investments in research projects, such as Cornell University's maple program's Arnot Teaching Forest, and through its ‘NYS Grown & Certified’ and ‘Taste NY’ marketing programs.

Maple Weekends

Hochul’s team said, “Throughout the month of March each year, and, in particular, during the weekends of March 18-19 and 25-26, maple farms across the state open their doors to the public to provide a chance to taste pure maple syrup, right from the source, and experience the unique family tradition of making maple syrup in New York state. Producers, including many of those that are ‘NYS Grown & Certified,’ offer tours and pancake breakfasts, sell maple products and demonstrate the syrup-making process, which includes the traditional system of hanging buckets on trees, or more modern methods of production using vacuum systems to increase the yield of sap per tree.

“Maple Weekends in 2023 will take place at nearly 150 maple sugar makers' farms, boosting agritourism across New York state. A searchable list of Maple Weekend events is available at https://mapleweekend.nysmaple.com/.”

More than 80 maple producers participate in “NYS Grown & Certified,” which verifies New York's agricultural producers and growers who adhere to food safety and environmental sustainability standards. Find a current list of maple producers who are a part of the “NYS Grown & Certified” program at https://certified.ny.gov/wheretobuy.

Maple Promotions

New York's “Taste NY” markets across the state are highlighting unique local maple products and producers during the month of March. Several markets are offering specials, including 10% off all maple items at the Finger Lakes Welcome Center, special product sampling at the Capital Region Welcome Center and Western New York Welcome Center. Find a list of markets at taste.ny.gov.

New Yorkers can also shop for New York state maple from the comfort of home on ShopTasteNY.com, which will be offering specials and free shipping on maple products throughout the month.

Additionally, “Taste NY” markets will celebrate “Maple Madness” during the weekend of March 25-26.

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, "Thanks to our dedicated maple producers, including those who are in our ‘NYS Grown & Certified’ program, New York continues to be a top maple producer in the country, with record syrup production figures and number of taps in recent years. I encourage all New Yorkers to visit a farm near them during Maple Weekends to taste some delicious products and enjoy this first crop of the season that our producers are so good at making."

Maple Producer's Association Executive Director Helen Thomas said, "Maple Weekend 2023 is quickly approaching! This year, Mother Nature has given us an early start to the maple season, so many farms already have plenty of maple products on hand for you to sample. During Maple Weekends, 150 maple sugarhouses across the state welcome visitors to experience firsthand how pure maple syrup and other maple products are made. Visitors can enjoy family-friendly activities and taste New York's new crop of directly at the source. If the weather is above freezing the day you visit, expect to see sap coming from the maple tree, and follow it all the way to syrup coming from the final step of cooking! Visit mapleweekend.com to plan your visits!"