Maple Syrup Industry Taps New York Market

Well, this may be true if Senator Chuck Schumer has his way. He plans to add the Maple Tapping Access Program Act to the upcoming farm bill. Claiming that New York has more sugar maple trees than Quebec, Schumer believes the state could become a world leader in the sweet stuff.

His efforts began in 2009 when two poor seasons pushed the price of a gallon to over $100 in some locations. That year Schumer and Representative John McHugh (see, bipartisanship?) launched an effort to expand the $65 million industry by 400 percent by expanding access to bottling facilities and allowing trees on private land.

Currently, Quebec is the world-leader in maple syrup production. The province made 5.35 million gallons in 2008, compared to the United States' leader (Vermont), which made 500,000 gallons. New York lagged behind with 320,000 gallons. Schumer says New York can compete with Quebec, but currently taps less than one half of one percent of their trees. By comparison, Quebec taps one third of their sugar maples.

The senator loves his sweet puns. During a conference call with reporters he said, “Simply put, I believe New York can become global leaders in the maple industry,” he said. “Money doesn’t grow on trees, but apparently it does grow in them.” Earlier, he referred to maple syrup as an "untapped" industry.

If the bill passes, it could add $82 million to the New York economy. That would be a pretty sweet addition.

Photo by Dougtone