Governor Hochul's Initiative: Enhancing Sap Production In NYS

In the dead of winter, there are certain signs that spring is not far off, including a particular prediction from a groundhog in Pennsylvania who doesn't always get it right.

One sign of spring is when you notice maple trees being tapped. According to the website, Tap My Tree, depending on weather conditions and where you live, sap begins to flow from the middle of February to mid-March.

The website notes that conditions are favorable then temperatures are above 32 degrees Fahrenheit and below freezing during the night. When the temperature rises, sap flows due to pressure, causing it to move from above the ground to the root system. Sap from maple trees normally flows for up to 6 weeks.

On August 28, 2024, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced at the New York State Fair in Syracuse, three pieces of legislation expanding resources and protections for the State’s agricultural industry., including tapping trees and sap production.

According to the Governor's website, Kathy Hochul signed legislation that will allow the leasing of New York State land to be used for sap production and tree tapping for ten years to increase the return on investment for producers, including maple producers.

I’d like to thank the Governor for taking this opportunity to sign these important agricultural measures into state law today. Doing so at the Great New York State Fair reminds us of the central role agriculture plays in NY’s economy and how the Fair is a celebration of our farmers and producers. Supporting NY’s beginning farmers, along with helping our maple and apple producers thrive, is part of our commitment to all things NY agriculture. - Assemblymember Donna Lupardo

As we celebrate the State Fair, we recognize that New York’s agriculture is a central component to our State’s economy. With the signing of this legislation, we continue our mission to uplift this community and prove we are here to support them every step of the way. - New York State Governor Kathy Hochul

At the same time, Governor Hochul also announced the signing of other legislation including authorizing the Commissioner of the NYS DEC to enter into contracts for the lease or use of State lands for tree tapping and sap production for a term of up to, but not more than, ten years, along with legislation that provides crop loss determination for farm wineries to authorize the use of apples grown outside of New York State to be used for State labeled cider when needed due to a loss of crops.

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