Sen. Chris Murphy has teamed with his Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) on legislation to extend and expand the Maple Research and Market Promotion Program, which supports the U.S. maple syrup industry through research and education, natural resource sustainability and the marketing of maple syrup and maple-sap products.
The Market Access, Promotion and Landowner Education Support for Your Regionally Underserved Producers (MAPLE SYRUP) Act would extend and increase authorized funding to $30 million for the federal maple support program. Murphy”™s Connecticut colleague Sen. Richard Blumenthal is co-sponsoring the bill along with Maine”™s Sen. Angus King and Vermont”™s Sens. Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch.
“There”™s nothing better than real New England maple syrup,” said Murphy. “For years, I”™ve fought to support Connecticut”™s small maple syrup producers, and the Maple program is key to helping grow their businesses. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure this legislation is included in the upcoming Farm Bill.”
“This measure is an investment in the hardworking maple syrup producers in Connecticut and across New England,” added Blumenthal. “The farms, sugar houses, and small businesses that make up the backbone of the industry deserve our support. Expanding resources for research, marketing, and sustainability will put them on a path for success and future growth.”
