The Northern Community Investment Corporation recently released a report Creating Job Growth in Agriculture and Food Production: Opportunities and Realities, which detailed opportunities to grow the regional economy through increased food production. The report highlighted opportunities to capitalize on non-traditional forest and tree products, including the maple syrup industry.

Vermont and New Hampshire are two of only 11 states with the natural resources to produce authentic maple syrup. Though maple is already an iconic product of the region, the opportunity to further grow the industry exists. Matt Gordon of the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association says, "The national per capita consumption of maple syrup remains very low at only about 3 ounces per year. At the same time, high fructose corn syrup, the chief ingredient in most knock-off pancake syrups, has come under increased scrutiny and has been linked to obesity and diabetes. Considering the average American consumes nearly 60 pounds of corn syrup per year, boosting pure maple syrup consumption to only 4 ounces per year would mean that we would need to increase the supply by an additional 2.5 million gallons of syrup. The resource base to capitalize on additional growth exists in our region and would make maple syrup production one of the signature industries within those communities."

The maple sugaring season is relatively short, so producers could benefit from advanced technologies, such as the sapling project being investigated by the Proctor Maple Research Center in Vermont, and through season extension. One promising opportunity for season extension comes not from maple trees, but from birch trees. Birch syrup could not only extend the season, but supplement the producers' income by yielding $300 a gallon, according to the authors of the NCIC report. The authors say, "In New England, because birch sap follows maple, it extends a sugar maker's season and provides supplemental income and improved cash flow without interfering with maple activities. The two seasons leverage existing fixed assets and increase return on investment of equipment and infrastructure."

For those not familiar with maple production, each year sugarhouses across Vermont and NH open their doors to visitors where one can explore a working sugar house to learn about the process of boiling sap. This year NH celebrated Maple Month during March with sugarhouses statewide opening their doors to visitors each weekend. For more information, visit the Vermont Maple Sugar Maker's Association at www.vermontmaple.org or the NH Maple Producers Association at www.nhmapleproducers.com. For an overview of maple-related activities being held this spring in northern NH, visit www.NHGrand.com.

"Maple syrup has been a part of our state's economic growth for many years. Now is the time to expand the effort that could drive economic development within both the Maple Industry and the greater tourist sectors of our economy," asserts Bodie Peters, president of the NH Maple Producers Association.

Increasing maple production is good for individual businesses as well as, the communities where those producers reside. "Almost all production of maple syrup in the north country is locally owned and operated, which keeps most of the money generated in the local economy. That also means that decisions to keep and add jobs are made here and not in a board room in corporate America," says Dave Fuller of Fullers Sugarhouse in Lancaster.

For those interested in growing their maple operation, NCIC has a number of resources available, ranging from loans and cost share funds, marketing assistance, feasibility studies, to simply connecting you with one of our many regional partners to address your need.  To review the Creating Job Growth in Agriculture and Food Production: Opportunities and Realities report, please visit www.ncic.org. Questions about the report or NCIC's efforts with the maple industry can be directed to NCIC Project Manager Katelyn Robinson, by phone 603-788-2700 ext. 2140 or by email krobinson@ncic.org.

Established in 1975, NCIC is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation that provides capital and expertise to strengthen businesses, communities and employment opportunities across our service region. NCIC develops lending solutions and coaching services based on individual business needs and supports community leaders with job-based solutions including industrial infrastructure, telecommunications, energy and tourism development. NCIC serves New Hampshire's Carroll, Coos and Grafton Counties and Vermont's Caledonia, Essex and Orleans Counties. NCIC offices are located in Lancaster, NH and St. Johnsbury, VT. For more information, visit www.ncic.org.

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