New York Celebrates Maple Weekends, Highlights Growing Maple Industry
Governor Kathy Hochul has officially designated March 22-23 and March 29-30 as New York State’s 2025 Maple Weekends, an annual event celebrating the state’s growing maple industry. The proclamation comes as New York remains the second-largest producer of maple syrup in the country, with production increasing to 846,000 gallons in 2024—nearly 100,000 gallons more than the previous year.
As part of Maple Weekend activities, Governor Hochul visited Twin Leaf Farms in Greenfield Center to highlight the industry’s impact on local agriculture and tourism.
“New York State’s maple industry is not just a tradition – it’s a thriving community of dedicated producers creating world-class maple products,” Hochul said. “As we celebrate Maple Month, I encourage every New Yorker to experience the rich flavors and support the hardworking individuals behind this beloved crop.”
Recognizing the economic significance of maple production, Hochul’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget includes funding to support industry growth and innovation. State-backed initiatives include promotional efforts, educational programs, and research investments, such as Cornell University’s Maple Program at Arnot Teaching Forest. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets also contributes to industry development through its NYS Grown & Certified and Taste NY marketing programs.
Each March, maple farms across the state open their doors for Maple Weekends, offering the public a chance to learn about the syrup-making process, sample fresh maple syrup, and support local producers. Many farms provide guided tours, demonstrations, and pancake breakfasts. The event showcases both traditional methods—such as hanging sap buckets on trees—and modern techniques like vacuum systems that increase sap yield.
A searchable list of participating farms and activities is available at mapleweekend.nysmaple.com.
Throughout the month, Taste NY markets across the state will highlight local maple products with special promotions and events. Highlights include a maple product scavenger hunt and gift basket giveaway at the Western NY Welcome Center, a sampling event featuring Phoenicia Diner and Jourdin’s Maple Syrup at the Capital Region Welcome Center, and educational displays on maple production at the Adirondacks Welcome Center.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball noted the significance of the maple industry in New York’s agricultural landscape.
“Maple syrup is not only our sweetest crop, but it’s also the first crop of the new year,” Ball said. “New York’s maple producers continue to do an outstanding job keeping our state at the forefront of the industry. 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.”