For Immediate Release
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Contact: John Bott (207) 287-3156 Samantha Howard (207)
287-7620
Sugarhouses across Maine
open this weekend for Maine Maple Sunday!
The annual event
highlights dramatic maple industry growth since 2010
AUGUSTA – This weekend Maine will celebrate its
34th annual Maine Maple Sunday on March 26, 2017. The annual event
is held every fourth Sunday of March. Participating sugarhouses will be open
for visitors to enjoy freshly made maple syrup and candy, demonstrations of
syrup production, sugarbush tours and a variety of other family activities.
Last week, Governor Paul R. LePage highlighted maple tapping season
with Maine maple producers on the Blaine House lawn by following an annual
tradition: the tapping of a maple tree. The Governor highlighted the economic
contributions of Maine’s maple industry and new statistics showing its dramatic
growth since 2010.
"Maine’s maple industry
is growing in output and importance," said Governor Paul R. LePage.
"Since 2010, Maine maple syrup production has more than doubled (114%
increase). The extended 2016 season yielded 675,000 gallons, up from 315,000
gallons in 2010. During that same time period, the number of taps has increased
26.5% (going from 1.47 million to 1.86 million). Maine’s maple industry contributes an estimated
$48.7 million to the Maine economy, including a direct contribution of $27.7
million and multiplier effects. The Maine maple industry is working hard to
realize its potential for creating more jobs, business opportunities and
locally-produced products valued by consumers.”
Commissioner Walt Whitcomb encouraged people to visit local
sugarhouses this weekend. “Maine Maple Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to get
outdoors and celebrate the arrival of spring,” said Whitcomb. “We’re hearing that
the maple sap has exceptionally high sugar content this year. Bring your
family and find out for yourself.”
Maine Maple Statistics:
- 545,000 gallons were produced last year, worth $17.4
million
- Maine’s industry has an annual statewide economic
contribution, including multiplier effects, of an estimated $48.7 million
in output, 805 full-and part-time jobs, and $25.1 million in labor income
- Maine has the third largest syrup industry in this
country. Maine has the largest maple producing county in the country –
Somerset County
- Maine has around 1.4 million taps
Some sugarhouses will hold events on both Saturday and Sunday. For
a list and map of participating sugarhouses, visit the Maine Maple Producers
website:
http://www.mainemapleproducers.com/
For more information about the Maine Department of Agriculture,
Conservation and Forestry, go to: www.maine.gov/dacf
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