Maple producers in US state hope for legal boost

Producers of Grade A maple syrup in the US state of Ohio have cause for optimism in the form of House Bill 733, which has been introduced by Republican senators.

Up until now, maple production was not recognised as an activity of agriculture under Ohio state law. This could soon change if the bill is passed in the Ohio House of Representatives.

The legislation – which was supported by testimonies by Ohio Farm Bureau members – would provide maple producers with opportunities and protections that other agriculture sectors currently enjoy.

Kevin Holy – an owner of Seldom Seen Farm and a member of Geauga County Farm Bureau – explained that the bill would be a significant recognition of an important sector with a rich heritage. He said:

“For generations, Ohio farmers have worked tirelessly to preserve and grow this unique agricultural industry. Recognising maple syrup production within the Ohio Revised Code is a common-sense step that properly reflects the realities of modern agriculture in our state.”

A key element of the bill would be the addition of trees tapped for maple syrup to the statutory definition of agriculture in Ohio. This would make maple syrup farms eligible to qualify for the Current Agricultural Use Value programme, and would provide operations with the agricultural protections that other farms are given.

After discussion at its annual meeting, the Ohio Farm Bureau has played a key role in raising the issue of inequality towards maple farmers. The organisation has signalled support behind a policy push at state level, after the concern was initially highlighted by farmers in north-east Ohio.