Rise in Chenango maple industry offers opportunity
CHENANGO COUNTY – New York’s maple industry is on the rise, creating promise for a trade that some local ag experts say has untapped potential in Chenango County.
New York State hit a 74-year record in 2018 with the production of 806,000 gallons of maple syrup, according to data cited by NYS Ag and Markets. The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service found maple production made nearly 19 percent the national total statewide, with 2.73 million taps counted during the season.
What’s more, maple producers got an extra boost from a longer season that spanned 52 days, compared to 43 days in 2017.
All this means a nearly 50 percent increase in maple industry production in New York State over the last five years.
With the average maple syrup price in 2017 at $35 per gallon, maple advocates say there’s economic potential in Chenango County. Approximately 70 percent of the county is made of woodland, only 15-20 percent of which is state-owned. Of that, only one percent of the trees are currently being tapped for maple syrup.
If handled correctly, maple advocates at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County argue that maple syrup production could become a lucrative enterprise in Chenango County through sales and agritourism, doing for Chenango what the wine industry does for the Finger Lakes region.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo touted the state’s maple industry in a statement last week.
“The maple industry is one of New York’s most important agricultural sectors, and it continues to grow year-over-year, infusing millions into the economy and bringing New York national recognition for its quality,” Cuomo said. “The growth of the industry is an indicator of our fantastic producers, who work hard to make some of the best maple syrup in the country and the innovative and unique maple products that consumers are demanding.”
Chenango County typically offers two maple workshops throughout the year. In the fall months, Chenango County CCE works to put on a fall maple tour; and in the spring, county teams hold maple workshops for those interested in learning more about the industry.
New York State hit a 74-year record in 2018 with the production of 806,000 gallons of maple syrup, according to data cited by NYS Ag and Markets. The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service found maple production made nearly 19 percent the national total statewide, with 2.73 million taps counted during the season.
What’s more, maple producers got an extra boost from a longer season that spanned 52 days, compared to 43 days in 2017.
All this means a nearly 50 percent increase in maple industry production in New York State over the last five years.
With the average maple syrup price in 2017 at $35 per gallon, maple advocates say there’s economic potential in Chenango County. Approximately 70 percent of the county is made of woodland, only 15-20 percent of which is state-owned. Of that, only one percent of the trees are currently being tapped for maple syrup.
If handled correctly, maple advocates at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County argue that maple syrup production could become a lucrative enterprise in Chenango County through sales and agritourism, doing for Chenango what the wine industry does for the Finger Lakes region.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo touted the state’s maple industry in a statement last week.
“The maple industry is one of New York’s most important agricultural sectors, and it continues to grow year-over-year, infusing millions into the economy and bringing New York national recognition for its quality,” Cuomo said. “The growth of the industry is an indicator of our fantastic producers, who work hard to make some of the best maple syrup in the country and the innovative and unique maple products that consumers are demanding.”
Chenango County typically offers two maple workshops throughout the year. In the fall months, Chenango County CCE works to put on a fall maple tour; and in the spring, county teams hold maple workshops for those interested in learning more about the industry.
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