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Governor Snyder Declares March as "Michigan Maple Syrup Month"

Agency: Agriculture and Rural Development

February 28, 2014 

CONTACT:  Heather Throne, MDARD  throneh@michigan.gov or 517-373-1085                                                                                                                                                                            Larry Haigh, Michigan Maple Syrup Association  (269)763-2210 or lehaigh@voyager.net

LANSING, Mich. - Governor Rick Snyder has declared March as “Michigan Maple Syrup Month” to honor Michigan’s selection of high quality pure Maple Syrup and the industry’s contribution to the economy.

“Michigan Maple Syrup Month is a special time to acknowledge and recognize our vast, integrated network of family farmers, processors, wholesalers, and retailers who work to ensure a safe maple syrup supply to be enjoyed by consumers throughout our state and nation,” said Jamie Clover Adams, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director.

Currently, Michigan ranks 6th nationally in the production of maple syrup with an average yearly production of about 148,000 gallons. The maple season starts in February in the southern counties of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and runs into April in the Upper Peninsula.

"Maple Syrup is the first crop of the year. Michigan Maple Syrup is a natural and nutritious sweetener and a smart choice as a topping or a flavorful ingredient in baking and cooking," said Larry Haigh, Michigan Maple Syrup Association (MMSA) Vice President.

MMSA members will host the 2nd Annual Michigan Maple Syrup Weekend this year. Three separate weekends will accommodate the distinct areas of the state and the weather that affects them: the area below US 10 will be held the weekend of March 15-16, above US 10 will be March 22-23, and the Upper Peninsula will be the weekend of March 29-30. For more information on the events, locations and times visit http://www.mi-maplesyrup.com/documents/mapleweekendbrochure.pdf.

To find a producer in your area, look for steam coming from the roof of their sugar house or go to www.mi-maplesyrup.com and find the location of a sugar house in your area.

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