“This is an important step in expanding the production and marketing of Maine maple products,” said Peterson. “Finding ways to extend the sustainable use of our natural resources, like the Maine woods, is a key to our long term economic health as a state. This initiative is a particularly sweet business development effort.”
Peterson added “This bill is also a real validation of the citizen legislative process.”
In the spring of 2010 Rep. Peterson was contacted by Chris Botka, a constituent who is a small scale maple producer. Through an arrangement with the Maine Department of Conservation, Botka, who resides in Rangeley Plantation, sustainably harvests maple sap from Maine lands, which he brands and markets for the Rangeley Lakes area.
Botka met with Peterson to find out why the State of Maine wasn’t doing more to promote Maine maple products on a regional, national and international level. As a result of that meeting, Peterson introduced the legislation signed into law yesterday.
“Maine's Maple Syrup Industry is about to shock the world as we begin the process to capitalize on Maine's potential,” said Botka. “The task force will open doors of opportunity which will have a positive economic impact for Maine people and businesses. It would have never come about without the determination of Representative Matt Peterson and bi-partisan support from all legislators. I believe and they have proved it is time to move Maine forward!"
The task force will submit their findings and recommendations in a report to the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry by Dec. 7, 2011.
After doing some research, Peterson discovered that although Vermont is the recognized leader among United States maple producers with annual production that is more than double what Maine markets, Maine forests contain 50 percent more hard maple trees than Vermont forests based on US Forest Service inventories.
After their meeting, Peterson and Botka worked with Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan who attended meetings with industry groups, other producers, and legislators to craft and refine the bill.
“The Maple industry has been promoting themselves worldwide and we need to find out how to support them as they grow,” said McCabe.
“I hope these efforts will replicate the strides we have made in managing and marketing other signature products, like Maine potatoes, Maine wild blueberries, and Maine lobsters,” said Peterson. “Can our delicious Maine maple syrup be far behind as another icon?”
Location:Capitol St,Augusta,United States
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