Governor Celebrates Annual ‘First-Tapping’ and ‘Maple Month’ at April’s Maple in Canaan

Event celebrates the state's sweet season and recognizes Vermont's vital maple industry, culture and quality

March 4, 2026 | Canaan, VT - Vermont Governor Phil Scott tapped a maple tree at April's Maple in Canaan today to recognize the beginning of this year's maple season. With the winter weather still chilly but the sun growing stronger by the day, today the governor joined April Lemay, her family and Vermont Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbetts to tap a maple tree and join in the tradition of Vermont's maple season while celebrating this important industry to the state's economy and culture.

"The annual tree tapping event recognizes Vermont's maple industry and the hard-working Vermonters who produce the best maple in the world," said Governor Scott. "Their hard work and dedication year-round are why we continue to lead the nation in maple production and excellence."

Governor Scott also signed a proclamation declaring the month of March as 'Maple Month' in Vermont, saying "WHEREAS, maple syrup is one of the most recognizable symbols in Vermont, and will continue to symbolize the hard work, craftsmanship, innovation, and creativity that make Vermont the great state it is." Find the full Proclamation Here : Maple Month (Proclamation 26-11)

April's Maple is located deep in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont on 800 acres that has been in April's family since 1937 . Three generations of the Jackson family have tended to this land, and when the idea for April's Maple first surfaced it was important to April that the land continue to honor her grandparents, Audrey and Elmont Jackson and their way of life by honoring what was important to them - family, an appreciation for nature and respect for our environment.

"Sugaring isn't easy work; Mother Nature likes to keep us on our toes, but the last 13 years have been so rewarding. Working with my family and an amazing team, we offer our visitors a memorable experience centered on Vermont maple syrup-from the production process to a maple-inspired café menu," said April Lemay od 'April's Maple'. "To us at April's Maple, maple syrup isn't just something great on your pancakes; it is our way of life that brings us together to laugh and share stories with longtime and new friends."

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) continues to work to support our producers with marketing programs, labeling and product quality inspections and funding to support the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association Sugarhouse Certification Program .

"Vermont is the nation's leading producer of maple syrup because of the hundreds of maple producers across our state," said Vermont Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts. "Last season, Vermont producers once again outpaced the rest of the country while creating some of the best-tasting maple syrup you can find. Their work has made maple syrup Vermont's second-largest agricultural product, behind milk, highlighting the industry's importance to our state."

The Green Mountain State has led the U.S. in the number of maple taps every year since 1916 and was only out produced in 1926 and 1918. In 2003 Vermont had 2.12 million taps and has steadily increased that number to 8.4 million in 2024. Annual production prior to 1935 was typically between 1 million and 1.4 million gallons. This dropped to around 200,000 to 300,000 gallons in the 1970's. Since 2003 Vermont's maple syrup production has increased from around 500,000 gallons to 3.108 million gallons in 2024.

The 2025 maple season continued this tradition of maple dominance:

• Total Production: 3.06 million gallons
• Number of Taps: 8.35 million
• Yield Per Tap: 0.367 gallons
• 2024 Revenue: $95 million
• 2024 Average Retail Price: $58.30 per gallon (up $1.10 from 2023)

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