FITCHBURG – Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton was joined by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) Commissioner John Lebeaux, and local and agricultural officials at Hollis Hills Farms in Fitchburg to kick off the Massachusetts maple season with a ceremonial sugar maple tree tapping. The yearly event coincides with Governor Baker’s proclamation declaring March as Massachusetts Maple Month, which will culminate with Maple Weekend, March 21 – 22.
“The Massachusetts agricultural community is a vibrant part of our greater economy and culture,” said Baker, “and it’s important we especially recognize the positive economic and environmental impacts our maple producers have in the Commonwealth. As we celebrate their achievements this month and throughout the maple season, I’m proud to declare March as Massachusetts Maple Month.”
“Maple syrup is the first agricultural product of the season and helps supplement the income of many dairy farms and growers across the Commonwealth,” said Beaton. “I thank Governor Baker for making the month of March Massachusetts Maple Month. By connecting consumers with producers, we can encourage economic activity in Massachusetts communities and help sustain local maple producers.”
Massachusetts is home to 280 maple syrup producers, with at least 80 that host visitors throughout the sugaring season. Last year, 61,000 gallons of maple syrup were produced, worth more than $3.72 million. In addition, approximately $1.9 million in revenue is generated by agricultural tourism at maple farms, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, country inns, and other attractions in farm communities. The industry preserves more than 13,000 acres of land, helping keep Massachusetts green across the map.
“Maple syrup is an amazing, natural sweetener, compliments of Mother Nature and our state’s sugar makers,” said DAR Commissioner John Lebeaux. “The production of maple syrup is the oldest agricultural enterprise in the country and the first agricultural product of the season. Maple syrup supplements the income of many dairy farmers and growers in Massachusetts.”
“Massachusetts’ Maple Month coincides with the time when more than 300 maple producers across the Commonwealth begin to boil the pure maple sap they have collected into delicious Massachusetts maple syrup,” said Melissa Leab, President, Massachusetts Maple Producers Association. “Many of us welcome visitors into our sugarhouses to watch and learn about this fascinating process. Massachusetts sugar makers lead the nation in direct-to-consumer sales, and won more awards at the 2014 annual international maple contest than any other maple-producing state or region. Enjoy this ‘sweet’ time of year, visit your local sugar maker, and enjoy Massachusetts’ sweetest crop.”
While March has earned the distinction of Maple Month, tapping in Massachusetts can start at the end of January and continue through April. For prime sugaring, nights must be below freezing and days must be above freezing. Everything from the weather, soil, and genetics of the tree can affect maple syrup flavor – like wine, flavor can differ from region to region.
Maple syrup is an inherently sustainable agricultural product. Healthy, well maintained trees can be tapped for over 100 years. However, producers are looking into ways to make the business even more sustainable. Reverse osmosis equipment, which eliminates water from the sap and reduces boiling time and fuel consumption, is being implemented more frequently. Many sugar shacks are even installing solar panels.
In 2014, DAR awarded $30,000 in Agricultural Energy grants to two Massachusetts maple producers in Berkshire and Franklin counties to help offset the costs of installing updated, environmentally friendly equipment, including heat recovery efficient evaporators and reverse osmosis equipment that removes half of the water from the sap, reducing boiling time and fuel consumption. In addition to fuel savings, heat recovery evaporators also produce a by-product of hot water, enabling on-site reduction of conventionally generated fossil fuel domestic hot water production needs. A by-product of reverse osmosis is water that can also be used for cleaning purposes. Some producers have been able to reduce their energy costs by half, resulting in lower production costs and a lower carbon footprint and environmental impact.
Massachusetts will hold its second annual Maple Weekend, March 21 – 22, to highlight the wonderful, versatile products made by Bay State maple producers. The Massachusetts Maple Producers Association (MMPA) members will have events and activities to draw attention to the state’s maple producers and their products, and encourage direct-to-consumer sales. The Maple Weekend will feature open house events at sugarhouses, and special menu items made with maple syrup at local restaurants. Visitors to participating sugarhouses and restaurants will have an opportunity to learn about the sugaring process, meet sugar makers, and hear about how important it is to the local economy and environment.
To learn about sugarhouses holding open houses, and restaurants featuring menu items made with maple syrup, visit www.massmaple.org or call the Massachusetts Maple Association at 413-628-3912. Individuals seeking additional information can also visit www.mass.gov/massgrown for a complete listing of farms, sugarhouses, and restaurants.
