SOMERSET, PA — Pennsylvania’s thriving maple syrup industry received center stage last week as Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding marked the start of the 2025 maple tapping season at Baer Bros Maple Camp. Joined by the Pennsylvania Maple Syrup Producers Council and the Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council, Secretary Redding celebrated the state’s sixth-ranked national position in maple syrup production, while emphasizing the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to supporting the sector through pivotal budget initiatives.
“Pennsylvania forests are an incredibly rich, valuable resource, and the source of maple syrup, one of our sweetest products,” Redding stated during the event. His remarks highlighted the administration’s recognition of the economic and environmental value of the state’s forest products industry, a $39 billion sector collectively employing more than 60,000 Pennsylvanians.
A Budding Industry Backed by Strategic Investments
With nearly 300 farms tapping 790,000 trees annually, Pennsylvania produced 205,000 gallons of maple syrup in 2023, valued at more than $7.5 million. Farms such as Baer Bros Maple Camp, which yields between 2,000 and 3,000 gallons of pure Grade A maple syrup annually, embody the state’s rich agricultural heritage. Like many other operations, Baer Bros offers a diverse range of products beyond syrup, including maple candy, cream, and sugar—all stemming from the state’s sprawling 16.62 million acres of forestland.
Recognizing the industry’s economic significance, Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2025-26 budget includes a $725,000 allocation dedicated to Hardwoods Research and Promotion. This funding underscores the administration’s intention to bolster Pennsylvania’s position in the broader forest products market, addressing challenges such as sustainability and supply chain inefficiencies through focused research and innovative marketing strategies.
Additionally, the budget proposes $13 million for the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program, a marked increase over previous funding levels. This program, which has already awarded over $2 million in grants to projects ranging from artificial intelligence in forestry to renewable energy innovations, aims to advance technological development and sustainability in forest and agricultural sectors.
“Commonsense investments in economic development, innovation, and job creation are vital to ensuring Pennsylvania’s agricultural future,” Secretary Redding emphasized.
Connecting Communities with Pennsylvania Maple
Marketing initiatives such as the Pennsylvania Maple Map have further strengthened consumer connections to locally produced maple products. Launched last fall by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Hardwoods Development Council in partnership with the PA Maple Syrup Producers Council, this interactive tool has successfully promoted Pennsylvania’s maple producers and supported record-breaking sales at the 2025 PA Farm Show.
Efforts such as these underline the Shapiro Administration’s broader economic development strategy, which prioritizes not only industry innovation but also consumer education and accessibility. The administration’s continued support aims to secure Pennsylvania’s status as a leader in agriculture and forestry, ensuring that both sectors thrive for generations to come.
Looking Ahead
The Shapiro Administration’s multifaceted approach to supporting Pennsylvania’s maple syrup and forest product industries demonstrates a clear commitment to nurturing these essential economic drivers. Through strategic investments, new technologies, and strengthened partnerships, the administration is paving the way for sustained growth and innovation across these sectors.
With initiatives like the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program poised to grow even further, the administration is positioning Pennsylvania as a vital hub for advancements in forestry and agriculture. The next decade promises continued opportunities for maple producers and forest sector innovators alike, reflecting the state’s determination to combine tradition with progress to benefit its communities and economy.
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