Keystone Today

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding recently inaugurated the maple-tapping season at Baer Bros Maple Camp in Somerset, Pennsylvania. The event was held in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Maple Syrup Producers Council and the Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council. "Pennsylvania forests are an incredibly rich, valuable resource, and the source of maple syrup, one of our sweetest products," said Secretary Redding.

Governor Josh Shapiro's proposed 2025-26 budget includes significant investments aimed at supporting the state's agriculture sector. The budget allocates $725,000 for Hardwoods Research and Promotion and $13 million for the Ag Innovation Grant Program. These funds are intended to foster economic development, job creation, and innovation within Pennsylvania's agricultural industry.

The state ranks sixth nationally in maple syrup production, with nearly 300 farms tapping 790,000 trees. In 2023 alone, Pennsylvania farms produced 205,000 gallons of maple syrup valued at over $7.5 million. Baer Bros Maple Camp contributes to this output by producing between 2,000 and 3,000 gallons of Grade A pure maple syrup annually.

Earlier this month, the Shapiro Administration announced recipients of the nation's first Agricultural Innovation Grant. This initiative supports projects aimed at enhancing sustainability in the forest products sector through artificial intelligence and renewable energy solutions.

The Department of Agriculture has also launched a PA Maple Map to connect consumers with local maple products and businesses. This initiative is part of a USDA-funded marketing effort that led to record sales at the 2025 PA Farm Show.

For more information on Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal and its impact on agriculture, visit shapirobudget.pa.gov.

Contact: Shannon Powers (shpowers@pa.gov), 717-603-2056

Information from this article can be found here.