Agency outlines new maple inspections, market data and drought concerns for Vermont syrup industry

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets told a legislative committee it has resumed inspections of licensed maple processors, is expanding retail checks and has launched monthly price reporting intended to help producers track market conditions.

Abby Willard, director of the agency's Agriculture Development Division, told the committee the agency has directed roughly 1.25 full-time equivalent staff to maple work and "in the last five years or so, I would say we've made about $2 million of economic development investment in the maple sector," including direct grants, research support and marketing campaigns. The agency also said it has used USDA marketing grants and trade-show assistance to boost producer exposure.

Tucker, the agency's director of the Food Safety and Consumer Protection Division, described two inspection streams: continuing retail inspections and renewed visits to licensed dealers and processors. "We have about 28 licenses under these licenses," he said, characterizing those licensees as the largest packers and estimating they account for a large share of syrup volume. The agency said it began outreach in 2024, completed roughly…