Here are some things we need to know about:
Future Generations University Certificate Program:
Interested in sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship? Then this opportunity is for you! This program will guide you to use one of our state’s greatest “untapped” forest resources and join the rapidly growing sap and syrup industry.
The Maple Sap and Syrup Collection training combines lecture and field work with a mentor program to get you in business. The training options include:
- 4 weeks of online training
- 3-day field residential sessions on Sap Collection & Syrup Processing
- Date option 1: Nov.30 – Dec.2
Date option 2: Dec.7 – Dec.9- ✱✱Please note, these will be held in the southern and central regions of the state
- Date option 1: Nov.30 – Dec.2
- Mentorship sessions in the spring with a Maple Producer
The mentorship opportunities included with this course allow you to work with local producers as they tap their trees, process their sap, and close out their season.
Check back for more details on locations, or check this website
By the end of this course students will be able to:
- Set up a sap collection system
- Evaporate sap to make maple syrup
- Understand the science behind sap and syrup production
- Evaluate the economic potential of the maple industry as it relates to their livelihood objectives
VAPG Program (Value Added Processing Grant Program):
Objectives: To help agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to processing or marketing bio-based value-added products; To expand markets and increase financial returns to agricultural producers.
REAP (Rural Energy for America Program):
Purpose: To provide financial assistance in the form of grants and financial assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for purchasing and installing renewable energy systems and making energy efficient improvements.
2019 Mountain State Maple Days
Maple Days registration (Constant Contact survey) is up and working….two links; one for sugar houses and the other for ancillary businesses.
Celebrate West Virginia’s first and sweetest agricultural crop of the season—maple syrup. Check back for sugar house locations throughout the state and other activities and businesses celebrating the first of two dates.
Interested in participating?
If you are a sugar house interested in being open to the public, please register by December 1, 2018 using this link:
Sugar House Registration
Are you a supporting industry (i.e. restaurant, bakery, etc) interested in sponsoring/support 2019 Maple Days? Use this link to register your activity: