Overview

The United States and Canada are the only two maple-syrup-producing countries in the world. The United States accounts for about 20 percent of the world’s production of maple syrup, and Canada accounts for the remainder.

The U.S. production of maple syrup in 2011 totaled nearly 2.8 million gallons, up 43 percent from 2010. A longer season, favorable weather conditions and higher sugar content in the sap contributed to higher yields and record production.  (NASS 2011)

Vermont again led the nation, processing 41 percent of U.S. production in 2011, followed by New York, which processed 20 percent of domestic production, and Maine, which processed 13 percent. Wisconsin processed 6 percent of the maple syrup produced in 2011, and Pennsylvania processed 5 percent. Michigan, New Hampshire, Ohio, Massachusetts and Connecticut also produced maple syrup.  (NASS 2011)

The 2011 maple syrup prices are not yet available. NASS reported that the U.S. price per gallon in 2010 averaged $37.50 per gallon, down $0.40 from the 2009 price. As a result, the total value of U.S. maple syrup production also declined, falling to $73.6 million. The value of production was down in all states.  (NASS 2011)  October 2011 ...  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

• 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.
• Crop Production, National Ag Statistics Service (NASS), USDA, October 2011.
• Crop Value, NASS, USDA, February 2011.
• 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 Syrup 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, Sugar and Sweeteners Outlook, Economic Research Service (ERS), USDA, 2010.
• Maple Syrup 2011, New England Agricultural Statistics Service, NASS, USDA, June 2011.
• 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, Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada, 2007.
• Production and Value of Honey and Maple Products, Statistics Canada, 2010.
• Sugar and Sweeteners, ERS, USDA.
• Sugarbush health and management - Diseases, Canadian 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

• Indiana Maple Syrup Association
• Maine Maple Producers Association
• Massachusetts Maple Producers Association
• Michigan Maple Syrup Association
• New York State Maple Producers Association
• Ohio Maple Producers Association
• Vermont Maple Sugar Maker's Association
• Wisconsin Maple Syrup Producers Association

Businesses/Case Studies

• Blue Ribbon Vermont Maple from Williams Farms, Middlebury, Vermont – Family-owned business in operation for 30 years.
• Moosewood Hollow, Vermont  – Business owner Claudia Clarks 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 was started by Burr Morse's 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 June 2011.