AUGUSTA – Officials from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and the Maine Maple Producers Association report that maple tapping is underway throughout the state, with southern and central regions further along. This year’s unseasonably warm, fluctuating temperatures have allowed producers to tap earlier and generated high hopes for a longer, more productive 2016 maple season.

"Many Maine maple producers, particularly in the southern and central regions, had some very productive days last weekend.” said Lyle Merrifield, President of the Maine Maple Producers Association. “This season is earlier than most, raising hopes that it will run longer and produce greater yields of sap and maple syrup. Obviously, we will produce what weather conditions allow.”

Commissioner Walt Whitcomb highlighted support from Governor Paul R. LePage and DACF efforts to work with the maple industry and the Maine Maple Producers Association to strengthen and expand the maple economy.

“Governor LePage has expressed his desire to see Maine become #1 for maple production,” said Whitcomb. “That is a very high bar, but the industry and department is working very hard to create more maple products and grow the industry. Governor LePage will mark the unofficial start to the 2016 season by ceremonially tapping a maple tree on the Blaine House lawn next month. The season will continue all the way to Maine Maple Sunday on March 27, when sugarhouses all across Maine will open their doors to provide family friendly activities for visitors young and old."

For more information on Maine Maple Sunday visit the following websites: the Maine Maple Producers Association, www.mainemapleproducers.com; Maine Maple Sunday map, www.mainemapleproducers.com/maine-maple-sunday-map.html; and www.getrealmaine.com.