Agricultural Officials Mark Maple Month in Northampton

MEDIA ADVISORY

What	In celebration of Massachusetts' first harvest of the season, Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) Commissioner Scott J. Soares will ceremonially tap a sugar maple tree at Zawalicks Sugarhouse in Northampton to kick off the Bay State's brief but sweet maple sugaring season on Friday, March 4. Commissioner Soares will also read the Governor's proclamation declaring March as "Massachusetts Maple Month." More than 300 Massachusetts maple producers generate close to $3 million each year from syrup production, as well as $1.9 million spent by approximately 60,000 tourists during the sugaring season. The income from maple sugaring is a key financial boost to many dairy farms, and the industry preserves over 8,000 acres of Massachusetts as open space.
Who	DAR Commissioner Scott J. Soares Rep. Stephen Kulik Rep. Paul Mark Massachusetts Maple Producers Association President Ed Parker
When	Friday March 4, 2011 10 a.m.
Where	Zawalicks Sugarhouse 538 Sylvester Road, Northampton