Can NYS be #1 maple state?

ALBANY -- A report by a task force of maple industry representatives gives recommendations on how to make New York the leading maple producer in the country. It's now number 3.

The Maple Task Force presented the report to state Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker. The report concludes that there is tremendous potential for growth in production of New York maple products.

A Cornell study says that if New York were to tap its maple trees at the same rate that Vermont does, New York could quadruple its current production level to 1.2 million gallons of maple syrup annually. The report says New York should increase the number and size of producers through education, financial aid, and technical assistance. Also, encourage landowners to lease their land for maple production.

It also recommends grants for new technology and development of a marketing strategy.