CHARLESTON, W.Va. – According to the latest numbers from a report conducted by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) and USDA-NASS, West Virginia maple syrup production nearly doubled in 2019. Production rose from 8,000 gallons of syrup in 2018 to 14,000 gallons during this year’s season, which ran from early-February through mid-March. Although, West Virginia maple syrup producers reported sap collections as early as January 15 and as late as April 4.
“Collaboration and hard work have led to the continued growth of our maple syrup industry. Over the last few years, we have seen more and more people jump at the opportunity to start their own business,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt. “Every year our producers learn from the previous to better their operations which furthers best management practices in the state.”
The average price per gallon of maple syrup came in at $44.60 for 2018, a 22 percent increase from the previous year. Bulk prices for maple syrup also increased, up 20-cents to $2.90 per pound in 2018. Sixty percent of the 2019 harvest was sold bulk, 23 percent retail and 17 percent wholesale. In addition to increased sale numbers, the number of tapped trees in West Virginia also expanded from 66,000 in 2018 to 80,000 in 2019. Yield per tap in 2019 came in at 0.175 gallons, up from 0.121 in 2018. “West Virginia’s maple industry continues to grow while the national market remains stagnant. The average price for a gallon of syrup in the U. S. totaled $33, that’s $11 less than WV maple syrup,” said WVDA Agriculture Business Director Cassey Bowden. “That increase price is most likely being driven by a commitment to local producers from consumers.”
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials who sits on the Board of Public Works..
