New commission intends to aid Maine maple industry
Lawmakers have approved a new commission charged with fostering the expansion of Maine's maple products industry.
Maine Agriculture Commissioner Walt Whitcomb is expected to appoint members to the newly formed Maine Maple Commission, which is charged with studying policies and programs to enhance that agricultural sector, according to the Sun Journal. The commission is expected to research ways to expand processing and harvesting of sap, enhance the Maine maple brand, and increase sustainable production and export potential. The value of Maine's maple products was assessed at $13 million in 2009 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The commission will report back to the Legislature in December.
The bill proposing the commission was submitted by Rumford Rep. Matt Peterson in response to a request from Chris Botka, a small-scare maple syrup producer in the Rangeley area.
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