For Immediate Release
February 23, 2016
Contact: Lyle
Merrifield, (207) 415-3001
John Bott, (207) 287-3156
Maine maple season is underway with
several offerings on tap for the public in 2016
This year’s
mild and unpredictable weather has maple producers hopeful that the early start
will result in a strong season
AUGUSTA
– Officials from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
and the Maine Maple Producers Association report that maple tapping is underway
throughout the state, with southern and central regions further along. This
year’s unseasonably warm, fluctuating temperatures have allowed producers to
tap earlier and generated high hopes for a longer, more productive 2016 maple
season.
"Many
Maine maple producers, particularly in the southern and central regions, had some
very productive days last weekend.” said Lyle Merrifield, President of the Maine
Maple Producers Association. “This season is earlier than most, raising hopes
that it will run longer and produce greater yields of sap and maple syrup. Obviously,
we will produce what weather conditions allow.”
Commissioner
Walt Whitcomb highlighted support from Governor Paul R. LePage and DACF efforts
to work with the maple industry and the Maine Maple Producers Association to strengthen
and expand the maple economy.
“Governor
LePage has expressed his desire to see Maine become #1 for maple production,”
said Whitcomb. “That is a very high bar, but the industry and department is
working very hard to create more maple products and grow the industry. Governor
LePage will mark the unofficial start to the 2016 season by ceremonially
tapping a maple tree on the Blaine House lawn next month. The season will
continue all the way to Maine Maple Sunday on March 27, when sugarhouses all across Maine will open their doors to provide family friendly
activities for visitors young and old."
The Maine
Maple Producers Association: http://www.mainemapleproducers.com/
Maine
Maple Sunday (March 27) map: http://www.mainemapleproducers.com/maine-maple-sunday-map.html
Maine
maple equipment dealers (supplies for both commercial
operations and hobbyists):
http://www.mainemapleproducers.com/maine-maple-equipment-dealers.html
Maine
Maple Sunday information from Get Real Get Maine:
http://www.getrealmaine.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/calendar.detail/event_id/138/index.htm
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