The Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate passed legislation making March Maple Month. Governor Kasick then signed the bill making it law. The reason for this important designation is that in March, Ohio produces thousands of gallons of maple syrup. People spread out across the state looking for a sugarhouse to visit and see how maple syrup is made. This increases tourism and pumps dollars into local economies.

In his statement introducing House Bill 418 in the Ohio House of Representatives, Representative John Patterson, 99th House District, Ashtabula, stated

“The maple syrup industry is booming in Ohio. It is my hope that by designating March as Maple Syrup Month, we can bring more awareness to the industry, and, in turn, sweeten Ohio’s economy with increased maple tourism.”

House Bill 418 also recognizes and supports the Ohio maple industry as it continues to provide benefits to all of Ohioans. Each year Ohio ranks somewhere from third to fifth in maple syrup production among the 13 maple-producing states.

Author: Les Ober, Geauga County OSU Extension