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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — On Wednesday, New England lawmakers introduced a bill to expand support to the maple syrup industry.
Senators Jeanne Shaheen, of New Hampshire, and Chris Murphy, of Connecticut, introduced the Market Access, Promotion and Landowner Education Support for Your Regionally Underserved Producers (MAPLE SYRUP) Act. The bill would expand funding to the maple support program, support industry research and education, natural resource sustainability, and market maple syrup/maple-sap products across the United States.
“New Hampshire maple syrup is not only delicious, but it also plays an important role in our state’s economy and identity,” said Senator Shaheen. “Investing in our maple industry is critical to its longevity, as well as the success of Granite State agriculture. I’ll work to include this legislation in the upcoming Farm Bill to help ensure our maple producers in New Hampshire and throughout New England have the support they need for their businesses to thrive.”
The MAPLE SYRUP Act would increase funding to $30 million for the federal maple support program and rename it the Maple Research and Market Promotion Program.
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“There’s nothing better than real New England maple syrup. For years, I’ve fought to support Connecticut’s small maple syrup producers, and the Maple program is key to helping grow their businesses. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure this legislation is included in the upcoming Farm Bill,” said Murphy.
New England Senators Richard Blumenthal, of Connecticut, Angus King, of Maine, Peter Welch, of Vermont, and Bernie Sanders, of Vermont, co-sponsored the legislation.
“This measure is an investment in the hardworking maple syrup producers in Connecticut and across New England,” said Senator Blumenthal. “The farms, sugar houses, and small businesses that make up the backbone of the industry deserve our support. Expanding resources for research, marketing, and sustainability will put them on a path for success and future growth.”
The bill would be included in the Farm Bill, which reauthorizes every five years and funds agriculture and nutrition support programs.
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