Event celebrates the state’s sweet season and recognizes Vermont’s vital maple industry, culture and quality
March 18, 2024 | Washington, VT – Vermont Governor Phil Scott tapped a maple tree at Buck Family Maple in Washington today to recognize this year’s maple season. With sap boiling ongoing around the state, the governor joined the Buck family and Vermont Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbetts to join in the tradition of Vermont’s maple season and celebrate this important industry to the state’s economy and culture.
“Celebrating Vermont’s maple industry and the hard-working families that produce the best maple in the world is always a highlight,” said Governor Scott. “The Bucks, and so many families like theirs, make sure our state is producing the highest quality maple syrup. Their hard work and dedication are why we continue to lead the nation in maple production and excellence.”
Buck Family Maple began over 25 years ago with a large roasting pan and two maple trees in the yard of their then Waterbury, Vermont home. Today, James and his father John make syrup from 2000 trees on their Washington, Vermont maple farm that has produced maple syrup since the 19th century.
“As we continue the maple sugaring history of our land, we hold a special place in our hearts and minds for the people who cared for this land long before us,” said James Buck. “Without their care and thoughts for future generations, the trees they tapped all those years ago would not be part of our forest today.”
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets recognizes the importance of the state’s maple industry to our economy and working lands culture. The Agency continues to work to support our producers with marketing programs like the Vermont Maple 100, labeling and product quality inspections and funding to support the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association Sugarhouse Certification Program.
The Agency will soon announce new Maple Agriculture Development Grants awardees, totaling $540K to 11 Vermont sugar makers. These grants target infrastructure improvements, food safety enhancements, operational efficiency and climate adaptations. With over 350 applications, it is clear Vermonters recognize the value of our maple economy and the need for continued sustainability and growth to maintain Vermont’s industry lead.
“Vermont is the leading maple syrup producer in the nation because of families like the Buck’s,” Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts said. “They help Vermont maintain that high quantity and quality of maple production despite recent weather challenges, and the Agency is working to support our sugar makers as they adapt to these changes. We celebrate the sweetness of Vermont’s maple producers and products!”
Vermont sugar makers are in the midst of capturing our state’s “liquid gold” and delivering it to the masses this season as pure Vermont Maple Syrup. Vermonters and visitors alike can enjoy the season this coming weekend with the annual Vermont Maple Open House Weekend. The event is back after a pause from the pandemic, and many sugar makers around the state are looking forward to folks visiting their sugarhouse. Visit the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association to find a participating sugar house near you.
This year also welcomes back the Vermont Maple Festival into full swing. Find exciting events and sweet food opportunities happening there April 26, 27, 28th! And the Kingdom Maple Festival on Saturday, April 20th in St. Johnsbury will showcase Northeast Kingdom maple history and producers, along with delicious treats and fun activities for the whole family.
More maple resources:
- Buck Family Maple Website
- USDA 2023 Maple Season Press Release
- Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Website
- Kingdom Maple Festival Website
- Vermont Maple Festival Website
- Vermont Maple 100
For questions, please contact:
Allison Hope | Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association
802-777-2667 | allison@vermontmaple.org
Scott Waterman| VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
802-622-4662 | scott.waterman@vermont.gov