Overview
The United States and Canada are the only two maple-syrup-producing countries in the world. The United States accounts for about 15 percent of the world’s production of maple syrup and Canada accounts for the remainder.
The U.S. production of maple syrup in 2007 was 1.26 million gallons, down 13 percent from 2006. Decreased yields were the largest contributing factor to the decrease in production. Vermont led the nation with 36 percent of the U.S. production, followed by Maine (18 percent), New York (18 percent), Wisconsin (6 percent) and Ohio (6 percent). Michigan, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Connecticut also produce maple syrup.
The 2006 average U.S. price per gallon was $31.30, up $1.40 from the 2005 price of $29.90. At $45.3 million for 2006, the U.S. value of production was up 22 percent from 2005. Value of production increased in all states except Massachusetts. October 2007 . . . Maple Sugar
Marketing
- Vermont Maple Foundation – This nonprofit entity promotes and protects the Vermont maple syrup brand and works on its behalf with the State of Vermont and other appropriate organizations, educating the public and the media about the production of maple syrup and its importance to Vermont's economy.
Production
- Canadian Maple Products Situation and Trends 2005-2006, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ontario, 2006 - Canada produces about 85 percent of the world’s maple syrup, selling more than 32,500 tons valued at over $165 million to nearly 45 different countries.
- Cornell Sugar Maple Research and Extension Program – Provides background information on maple tree production, processing and marketing of maple syrup products. Offers virtual tours about sugar bush management, sap collection and sap processing as well as FAQs for maple producers and maple forest owners.
- Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers
- Mapleinfo.org – This website contains a section on maple sugaring that provides an intro to sugaring, consumer info, maple production stats, and sugarmaker resources.
- Maple Products Sector (2005-2006), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ontario.
- Maple Quality Control Manual, University of Maine Extension, updated 2007 – This manual discusses how cleanliness and sanitizers in the sugarbush and in the sugarhouse enhance quality control.
- Maple Syrup 2007, New England Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA, 2007.
- Maple Syrup Digest – Published by the North American Maple Syrup Council.
- North American Maple Syrup Producers Manual, Second Edition, The Ohio State University, 2006 – This printed reference manual is available for purchase.
- Planting and tending recommendations for sugar maple, Candian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada, 2007.
- Sugar and Sweeteners Outlook, Economic Research Service, USDA, 2007.
- Sugarbush health and management - Diseases, Candian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada, 2007.
- What You Should Know About Maple Syrup, Dave Chapeskie and John Henderson, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, 2004 – As the title suggests, this fact sheet provides an overview of all aspects of maple syrup.
State Associations for U.S. Maple Producers
Businesses/Case Studies
- Blue Ribbon Vermont Maple from Williams Farms, Middlebury, Vermont – Family-owned business in operation for 30 years.
- Moosewood Hollow, Claudia Clarks, Vermont – This business owner pioneered the development of infused maple syrups. Infused syrups are used as a gourmet cooking ingredient -- not just on breakfast foods.
- Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks, Montpelier, Vermont – A family-owned maple sugar, agritourism and cross-country skiing recreational facility located several miles from Montpelier. The business is owned by the family and was started by Burr Morses’ father.
- Thiel Maple Syrup, James and Alice Thiel, Wisconsin, 2004 – Maple syrup business succeeding as a portion of the entire operation. The owners produce 250 gallons to 300 gallons of syrup per season.
Links checked February 2008.