Kentucky's abundant maple trees present an opportunity for landowners to diversify their income and contribute to local economic growth through maple syrup production.

The Harlan County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Kentucky Maple Syrup Association collaborated to provide educational programs on maple syrup production. These programs included a Backyard Maple Syrup program at the Kentucky Maple Syrup School and another held in Harlan County.   

A total of 34 individuals attended the two programs, with 19 of them having never made maple syrup.

The educational programs were successful in generating interest and inspiring action among participants. The 19 attendees that are not currently maple producers, indicated their intention to produce maple syrup in 2025. This demonstrates a significant impact and a potential for increased maple syrup production in Harlan County and Kentucky, as a whole. The program also empowered participants to utilize their maple trees for economic benefit, whether through commercial production or personal consumption.