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 2012 totaled nearly 1.9 million gallons, down 32 percent from 2011. All states, except Maine, showed a reduction in production from the previous year. (NASS 2012) Production was adversely affected by mild winter temperatures and a short tapping season (ERS 2012).

Vermont again led the nation, processing 39 percent of U.S. production in 2012, followed by Maine and New York, which each processed 19 percent of domestic production. Ohio and Pennsylvania each processed 5 percent. New Hampshire, Michigan, Wisconsin, Massachusetts and Connecticut also produced maple syrup. (NASS 2012)

The 2012 maple syrup prices are not yet available. NASS reported that the U.S. price per gallon in 2011 averaged $37.90 per gallon, up $0.40 from the 2010 price. The total value of U.S. maple syrup production in 2011 also increased, jumping to $106.0 million. The value of production was up in all states.  (NASS 2012)  February 2013 ...  Maple Sugar

 

Marketing

• Vermont lawmakers struggle over sap, Boston Globe, 2013 - Vermont's unique labeling standards put it at odds with other big producers, including Canada. The proposed labeling would expand the types of grade A syrup with phrases describing the color and taste: golden color and delicate taste; amber color and rich taste; dark color and robust taste; very dark color and strong taste.
• 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).
• Crop Value, NASS, USDA.
• 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.
• Maple Syrup 2012, New England Agricultural Statistics Service, NASS, USDA.
• 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, 2011.
• Sugar and Sweeteners, ERS, USDA.
• Sugarbush health and management - Diseases, Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada, 2007.

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 February 2013.