For the past two weekends, maple farmers and maple lovers alike have been celebrating Maple Weekend in New York state. Maple Weekend is organized by the New York State Maple Producers’ Association, which is the funded by members and the New York Department of Agriculture. Maple vendors and producers open up their farms and factories for customers to better understand the process of making and distributing maple syrup, tasting maple products made there.

It’s important that New York continues to recognize the positive economic impacts of the maple industry. Learning about the industry through events like this is a great way to do just that.

Maple syrup is a major player in New York’s economy. State maple producers are ranked second in the nation, generating an estimated $141 million per year. Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) has said that maple production in the state is thriving and it continues to be a driving force for the agricultural industry in New York.

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Participating in the event is a tangible way for community members to help support such a lucrative industry.

Michael Spicer, who owns Cedarvale Maple Syrup Co., participated in the past week’s festivities. Spicer — a sophomore at Hamilton College — recently became involved with Cedarvale Maple, founded in 1977. According to Spicer, the company produces more than 400 gallons of maple syrup a year.

Spicer said, “running a business and going to class is nuts.” He said he’s constantly on the phone talking to suppliers and family members who help run the business. Spicer’s devotion to the industry is one that can be mirrored by attending the festivities.

During Maple Weekend, Cedarvale Maple offered tours, tree tapping demonstrations, a scavenger hunt and samples. As one of the closest maple producers to Syracuse University, Spicer said he believes that the proximity gives him a leg up in the Syracuse market.

Regardless, Maple Weekend provides people with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with maple business they might not otherwise encounter. The Critz Farms Brewing & Cider Co.’s Maple Weekend celebration runs through Sunday.

Supporting the maple industry comes at a minimal cost, so everyone should attend the celebrations.

Patrick Penfield is a sophomore accounting major. His column appears bi-weekly. He can be reached at fpen2021@syr.edu.

Published on April 2, 2019 at 11:11 pm