Governor Kathy Hochul is encouraging residents to support local maple producers as Maple Month gets underway across New York, highlighting a series of events, promotions and the return of the state’s annual Maple Weekends later this month.
This year’s Maple Weekends are scheduled for March 21–22 and March 28–29, when maple farms statewide will open their doors to visitors for tours, tastings and demonstrations of the syrup-making process. Additional maple-themed events and product promotions will also take place at New York’s Welcome Centers and Taste NY Markets throughout March.
New York continues to rank second in the nation for maple production. In 2025, producers made 829,000 gallons of syrup. The state is also home to the country’s largest concentration of tappable maple trees and more than 2,000 maple sugar makers. Recognizing the industry’s role in the state’s agricultural economy, Hochul’s proposed 2027 Executive Budget includes continued funding for maple marketing and research.
“Maple Month officially kicks off on Sunday, providing us all with an opportunity to celebrate New York agriculture’s first crop,” Hochul said. “With over 2,000 maple producers, New York continues to be home to a thriving community that dedicates their time to making the most delicious and innovative maple products in the world.”
New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball said sap is already flowing at many farms and encouraged New Yorkers to visit local producers during Maple Weekends to take part in the longstanding tradition.
State lawmakers also praised the industry. Michelle Hinchey called maple production one of New York’s proudest agricultural traditions, while Donna Lupardo said the annual Maple Weekends are an early sign of spring and a chance for families to learn how syrup is made.
New York State Maple Producers Association Executive Director Helen Thomas said 160 farms are taking part in Maple Weekend activities this year, offering educational demonstrations and fresh syrup tastings. New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher added that maple production remains a key commodity for farms of all sizes across the state.
To mark the start of the season, Ball joined local officials at Parker Family Maple Farm in Clinton County for the state’s annual ceremonial maple tree tapping. The family-owned farm, established in 1889, is the largest maple producer in New York, turning out more than 50,000 gallons of syrup each year from roughly 100,000 taps across more than 1,000 acres. The farm also participates in the state’s NYS Grown & Certified program, which promotes farms that meet higher food safety and environmental standards.
Throughout March, Taste NY Markets and Welcome Centers statewide will spotlight local maple producers with tastings, giveaways and special promotions. Events include maple product samplings, family activities and discounts at locations in the Adirondacks, Capital Region, Hudson Valley and Western New York.
A searchable list of Maple Weekend events and participating farms is available at mapleweekend.nysmaple.com.
