Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation declaring March 16-17 and March 23-24 as New York State’s 2024 Maple Weekends. The Governor also highlighted that New York maple producers continue to rank second in the nation in maple production, with nearly 2,000 maple sugar makers located across the state. Additionally, New York is home to the largest resource of tappable maple trees. Governor Hochul participated in New York State Maple Weekend by visiting Peaceful Valley Maple Farms in Johnstown, NY.
“There’s nothing sweeter than recognizing the hard work of our maple producers by visiting one of the hundreds of maple farms that are open for Maple Weekends and throughout the month of March,” Governor Hochul said. “New York’s maple industry is a significant contributor to our economy and our agri-tourism industry.Our producers work hard every year to bring us a variety of maple products, and I encourage all New Yorkers to visit their local sugar house to learn more about the maple syrup making process and support their local farms.”
In 2023, New York State produced 750,000 gallons of maple and New York’s maple industry used 2.5 million taps. 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 and Maple Month
Throughout the month of March each year, and in particular, during Maple Weekends, 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 2024 are taking place at nearly 200 maple sugar makers’ farms, boosting agri-tourism across New York State. A searchable list of Maple Weekend events is available here.
More than 90 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 here.
Maple Promotions
New York’s Taste NY Markets across the state are highlighting unique local maple products and producers during the entire month of March. Several markets are offering specials, including 20 percent off all maple and maple themed products at the Hudson Valley | Catskills Welcome Center, a pancake breakfast special all month at the Finger Lakes Welcome Center, special product sampling at the Capital Region Welcome Center, and more. For a complete list of special maple promotions and events hosted by Taste NY, visit here.
Agri-tourism In New York State
Agri-tourism events like Maple Weekends and Maple Month are an important part of tourism in New York State. Governor Hochul recently announced that New York State welcomed a record 291.5 million visitors in 2022, the largest number of visitors in New York State’s history, generating more than $78.6 billion in direct spending and $123 billion in total economic impact. The Governor has continued to support state tourism through I LOVE NY marketing efforts to encourage travel throughout New York and tens of millions of dollars in direct support to tourism organizations and venues for tourism-related marketing efforts and capital projects.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Maple Weekends is an exciting time for our maple producers and for New Yorkers, providing our producers an opportunity to connect with consumers and share their story with them—how they make maple syrup, why they love what they do, and so much more. I encourage everyone to visit a local sugar maker near them and celebrate all things maple, New York’s first agricultural crop of the season.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “New York’s vast network of maple farms and sugarhouses are vital to the state’s agriculture and tourism economies. Maple Weekends are a great opportunity for residents and visitors to experience maple production firsthand, sample award-winning products, and support this important industry throughout the state.”
New York Maple Producers’ Association Executive Director Helen Thomas said, “The Maple Producers of NY enjoy the process of maple syrup production and invite you to share in the process during NY Maple Weekend. Tap a tree; taste the sap as it comes straight from the tree; inhale the enticing scents as the sap boils to syrup; and of course, taste the finished product.”
March 24 2024 Albany New York
Photos of Governor Hochul Visiting Peaceful Valley Maple Farms During Maple Weekend Available Here
Read Proclamation Here
Source: NY.gov – Midtown Tribune news
Big New York news BigNY.com
