Advertisement Maple industry contributes $300 million to Vermont's economy every year UVM study shows that maple is golden for state's economy Share Shares Copy Link Copy

It's no surprise that Vermont is the biggest contributor of maple syrup in the country, but a new study published by UVM shows its economic impact on the state.The Center for Rural Studies found that the industry contributed up to $330 million in total sales to the state's economy in 2013. It also found an increase in profits, wages and full-time jobs.Matt Gordon, executive director of the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association, said that although many think of Vermont as maple country, they may not know its effect on the economy."I don't know if people are thinking about it while they pour syrup on their waffles or pancakes, but it's a big economic driver," Gordon said.Watch this storyGordon thinks the trend is due to a change in consumer demand."Consumers are looking for a healthy, more natural product, and maple syrup fits in that. It's still sugar, but it's really one of the most healthful sweeteners you can get," Gordon said. "I think that people are really looking at what they are putting in their bodies and what they provide to their families."Bruce Chapell, the owner of Templeton Maple Farm, has been sugaring for 30 years. He has seen the industry's growth firsthand and agreed that there is more of a push nationwide for local and healthier foods."There's a real interest in locally produced foods and also people really like to know the farmer that produced their food," Chapell saidChapell is also optimistic about the future of maple, pointing out an increase in young people taking an interest in sugaring, as well as a push for marketing the products nationally."That effort is going to continue to grow in the future, and I think it's a great thing for the state of Vermont, and it bodes well for the future of agriculture in this state," Chapell said.It was the first economic contribution study of Vermont's maple industry.