WASHINGTON -
Congressman Peter Welch is sponsoring federal legislation to benefit the maple industry.
Vermont is by far the largest maple-making state, with over 1 million gallons of the sweet stuff produced in 2011.
Welch's legislation would authorize federal grants for research and marketing of maple syrup and other maple products. The grants could also be used to open state and private lands to more maple tapping.
Welch is also sponsoring a second bill that would streamline the grant application process for Vermont farmers working to make sugaring operations more energy efficient.
