The largest maple syrup producer in the United States is Vermont. Vermont produces over 40% of all maple syrup produced in the US, more than any other state. Some quick facts about Vermont’s maple syrup production:
Quick Facts
- Vermont produced 1.9 million gallons of maple syrup in 2021.
- Vermont has over 2,200 maple syrup producers.
- Maple syrup production is a $50 million industry in Vermont.
- Vermont adopted legislation in 1948 declaring maple syrup the state flavor.
Vermont has dominated maple syrup production in the US for well over a century. The state has ideal conditions for sugaring, as the temperatures in early spring fluctuate between freezing at night and thawing during the day. This allows sap to flow from maple trees during the sugaring season between late February and early April.
History of Maple Syrup Production in Vermont
Native Americans were the first to produce maple syrup hundreds of years ago. Early European settlers learned the practice from Native people and soon began producing their own maple syrup and sugar.
By the 1800s, maple sugaring was an established seasonal tradition throughout New England. Vermont emerged as the leading producer early on due to its abundant sugar maple forests. The first evaporator was patented in Vermont in 1858, allowing for larger scale production.
In the 1960s, plastic tubing systems were introduced, replacing traditional metal buckets. This technology revolutionized maple syrup collection and allowed producers to collect substantially more sap. Output increased significantly in Vermont as tubing spread during the latter 20th century.
While production methods have evolved, maple syrup remains a symbol of Vermont’s heritage. Many families pass down sugaring traditions across generations and the state celebrates Maple Open House Weekend each spring.
Leading Maple Syrup Producing States
While Vermont is the clear leader, several other states have significant maple syrup industries. Here are the top 5 maple syrup producing states based on 2021 production data from the USDA:
| State | 2021 Production (gallons) |
|---|---|
| Vermont | 1,920,000 |
| New York | 832,000 |
| Maine | 525,000 |
| Wisconsin | 230,000 |
| Michigan | 115,000 |
As the table shows, Vermont produced over double the maple syrup of New York, the second highest producing state. Still, New York, Maine, Wisconsin, and Michigan have significant maple syrup industries.
Reasons for Vermont’s Dominance
There are several key reasons why Vermont has dominated maple syrup production in the US for so long:
- Ideal climate and weather conditions – Vermont’s cold winters and fluctuating spring temperatures foster excellent sap flow.
- Abundant sugar maple forests – Sugar maples make up over 70% of Vermont’s forests, providing ample trees for tapping.
- Tradition and expertise – Maple sugaring is ingrained in Vermont’s culture and producers have generations of expertise.
- Favorable laws – Vermont regulates maple syrup grades and labeling to ensure quality.
- Promotion of industry – Vermont heavily promotes maple products and agritourism.
- New technology – Producers rapidly adopted tubing, vacuum pumps, reverse osmosis, and other innovations to increase output.
The combination of these advantages has allowed Vermont to consistently produce far more maple syrup than any other state year after year.
Major Maple Syrup Producers in Vermont
While many small producers make up Vermont’s maple industry, a few large operations account for a substantial portion of the state’s output. The major maple syrup producers in Vermont include:
- Bascom Maple Farms – The largest maple producer in the US at over 180,000 taps.
- Sugarbush Farm – A popular producer with over 400,000 visitors annually.
- Bragg Farm Sugarhouse – A family-owned farm with over 80,000 taps.
- Butternut Mountain Farm – One of the pioneers of maple cream and confections.
- Mountain Meadows – Known for excellent quality and farm vacations.
These major producers exemplify Vermont’s leadership in maple syrup production. Their volume, innovation, and dedication have helped Vermont remain the top maple state.
Conclusion
Vermont has dominated maple syrup production in the United States for over a century. With ideal climate conditions, abundant maple forests, multi-generational expertise, and rapid adoption of new technologies, Vermont consistently produces over 40% of the country’s maple syrup.
While other states like New York, Maine, Wisconsin, and Michigan have substantial maple syrup industries, none come close to matching Vermont’s output. Given Vermont’s prime natural resources and deeply ingrained sugaring traditions, the state is likely to continue leading maple syrup production into the future.