Maines maple syrup industry could get boost from federal legislation [Video]

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, has introduced two pieces of bipartisan federal legislation promoting new markets and research priorities to further support Maine’s maple syrup industry.

Collins submitted the bills with Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vermont, who represents the nation’s largest maple syrup-producing state, followed by New York and Maine, respectively. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, is a co-sponsor of both bills.

The Making Agricultural Products Locally Essential (MAPLE) Act would add maple syrup to the list of eligible products under the Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program. The act would provide a new market for maple syrup producers while increasing older Mainers’ access to locally sourced maple products.

The Supporting All Producers (SAP) Act would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture to consult with maple producers when determining the priorities for the Acer Access and Development Program, is a competitive grant program that promotes a sustainable domestic maple syrup industry through research, education …