Governor LePage Taps Tree to Promote Maine Maple Sunday!

March 20, 2018

For more information contact: John Bott at: 207-287-3156

The annual event is this weekend throughout Maine

AUGUSTA ? Governor Paul R. LePage tapped a maple tree on the Blaine House lawn in advance of this weekend?s annual Maine Maple Sunday? on March 25, 2018. 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.

The Governor highlighted the economic contributions of Maine?s maple industry and new statistics from NASS, the statistical service of the USDA, showing continued growth.

"Maine?s maple industry is growing in output and importance," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "In 2017, Maine produced 709,000 gallons, 7.8 million pounds, up 5%. The number of taps also increased 2% to 1,890,000. Gallons (0.375) and pounds (4.125) per tap were also up 3% from 2016. 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 generates 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 recent cold weather may extend this year?s season further into spring, making for a longer maple season.?

Maine Maple Statistics:

• 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 1.89 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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