J 442: Commending New York Maple Producers during the Annual Maple Weekends on March 22-23, 2025, and March 29-30, 2025

 Senate Resolution No. 442 BY: Senator HINCHEY COMMENDING New York Maple Producers during the Annual Maple Weekends on March 22-23, 2025, and March 29-30, 2025 WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body acknowledges noteworthy events in America's history which deserve special recognition; and WHEREAS, The agricultural industry is part of the foundation upon which our distinct American heritage is built; and WHEREAS, New York State takes just pride in each and every product it produces or grows; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend New York Maple Producers during the Annual Maple Weekends on March 22-23, 2025, and March 29-30, 2025; and WHEREAS, Maple has been recognized as one of the foundations for New York State's agriculture; and WHEREAS, New York State is home to the largest resource of tappable maple trees within the United States and over 2,000 maple sugar makers; and WHEREAS, Abundant and sustainable, New York's gourmet maple industry is vibrant and growing on an annual basis; and WHEREAS, New York's unique climate and forestry make it naturally perfect for maple syrup production; and WHEREAS, As the second state in the country for maple syrup production, New York produces over 800,000 gallons of syrup from over 2.8 million taps; and WHEREAS, It takes 40 gallons of sap to produce one gallon of maple syrup; in addition, maple makes many products sold throughout the State and Nation, including maple coffee, maple cream, maple fluff, and maple candy; and WHEREAS, New York's maple providers are distributed across New York State and have expanded over the last five years; maple operations reach more than 400,000 visitors throughout New York; and WHEREAS, The prime maple season runs from February to March every year; and WHEREAS, On Maple Weekends, being held March 22-23, 2025, and March 29-30, 2025, maple producers from across New York State will welcome families to their farms to experience firsthand how real, mouth-watering syrup and related products are made; and WHEREAS, Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy fun, family-friendly activities, taste New York's freshest syrup, and purchase maple products; and WHEREAS, Through their diligence and expertise in maple, the producers have brought pride and recognition to themselves, their local communities, and our great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend New York Maple Producers during the Annual Maple Weekends on March 22-23, 2025, and March 29-30, 2025; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to New York Maple Producers.