MONTPELIER, Vt. -
Maple syrup production was down across New England and New York this season, a drop blamed on poor weather conditions.
Vermont still led the nation in making maple syrup, producing 1.9 million gallons of the sweet stuff. But that was the lowest total since 2007 and down about one-third from the record production in 2011.
Most sugar makers told agriculture officials it was too warm for good sap flow. It takes cold nights and mild days to make the sap run, and parts of Vermont hit the 80s in March, halting the season prematurely for many producers. But despite the poor season overall, the market for maple syrup remains high.
"The markets are very steady for the syrup even at the increased price we have seen in the last five or six years. The price seems to stay steady for bulk and retail syrup. The demand is out there, people are looking for a pure locally-produced product. This is one they can depend on," said Henry Marckres of the Vt. Agriculture Agency.
New York and Maine were tied for production this season. Each state produced 360,000 gallons each. Maine was the only state to see its production go up this year. Quebec still leads the world in maple syrup production.
Click here for the full report from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.
