Author: Jeremy Williams
Planning Unit: Harlan County CES
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Plan of Work: Utilizing, preserving and protecting Harlan County's Natural Resources
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
The maple syrup industry has a long history in Kentucky but recent success with buying local and eating healthy has brought about a resurgence in maple syrup. Within the last eight years, the Harlan County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent has worked with neighboring counties to host local and regional educational events. The events include Backyard Maple Syrup program, Kentucky Maple Syrup School, regional maple syrup field days, and Kentucky Maple Day. These events have been held in person and virtually. Several of these events have been made possible thru a five year USDA Acer funding. The educational programs have attracted clientele that are interested in making maple syrup and seasoned maple syrup producers. These efforts have been brought about with the help of the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, County Extension offices, Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development and the Kentucky Maple Syrup Association. Impacts seen is the rebuilding of the Kentucky Maple Syrup Association to better assist maple syrup producers, Kentucky Maple Day allowing sugar makers to open their farms up for agritourism and the Kentucky Maple School and virtual and regional programs providing timely educational events for over 100 new and seasoned maple producers.
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