With nearly 850,000 gallons produced in 2024, New York’s booming maple industry takes center stage as Governor Hochul promotes Maple Weekends and farm-based tourism

New York – In a festive celebration of New York’s rich tradition in maple syrup production, Governor Kathy Hochul has officially designated March 22-23 and March 29-30 as the dates for the 2025 Maple Weekends. This announcement not only honors the state’s significant contributions to the maple industry but also marks an increase in production levels from previous years.

During her visit to Twin Leaf Farms in Greenfield Center, NY, Governor Hochul expressed her admiration for the state’s maple producers, emphasizing the community’s dedication and the exceptional quality of their products.

“New York State’s maple industry is not just a tradition – it’s a thriving community of dedicated producers creating world-class maple products,” she said.

The Governor’s proclamation highlighted the state’s position as the second-largest producer of maple syrup in the nation, boasting a notable increase to 846,000 gallons in 2024, which is almost 100,000 gallons more than the previous year.

To further support this vital industry, Governor Hochul proposed additional funding in her FY26 Executive Budget aimed at expanding New York’s leadership in maple innovation. This includes support for promotional and educational programs managed by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, investments in research at facilities like Cornell University’s Maple Program at Arnot Teaching Forest, and marketing efforts through the NYS Grown & Certified and Taste NY programs.

Maple Month, celebrated throughout March, culminates in the Maple Weekends, where maple farms across the state open their doors to the public. These weekends offer a peek into the intricate process of syrup production, from tapping trees to the final syrup product.

Visitors can enjoy farm tours, pancake breakfasts, and live demonstrations, providing a firsthand experience of this quintessential New York tradition. For those interested in finding local events, a comprehensive list of participating farms and activities is available on the official Maple Weekend website.

The celebration extends beyond farm visits, with Taste NY Markets throughout the state featuring special promotions on local maple products. Highlights include maple gift basket giveaways, product scavenger hunts, and pancake sampling events, emphasizing the state’s commitment to showcasing and supporting local producers.

Agri-tourism, such as Maple Weekends and Maple Month, plays a crucial role in New York’s tourism and economy. With record-breaking visitor numbers in recent years, Governor Hochul continues to promote these events as part of broader efforts to encourage travel and exploration within the state.

Richard A. Ball, State Agriculture Commissioner, captured the sentiment well: ” Maple syrup is not only our sweetest crop, but it’s also the first crop of the new year. New York’s maple producers continue to do an outstanding job keeping our state at the forefront of the industry, and Maple Weekends give all of us an opportunity to visit a farm and see how they turn tree sap into syrup, candy, and so much more. I encourage everyone to visit a farm near you this year to see this work in action and learn more about this important part of our state’s agricultural economy.”

As New York State looks forward to another successful Maple Month, both residents and visitors are invited to engage in these festive and educational activities, supporting local businesses and learning about the timeless craft of maple syrup production.