Vermont Tourism Research Center

Adaptability of Maple Producers to Climate Change

VTRC researchers have developed strategies to help maple producers plan for and adapt to potential impacts from climate change in the Northern Forest region.

Outcomes and Products

The Northern Forest region of Vermont and New York is home to an estimated 1,200 commercial maple producers who rely on maple production as a source of income and as the basis for longstanding family and community traditions. Declines in maple production are projected due to climate change and its potential impacts on forest type and tree health and vigor.

The study was an assessment of maple producers' knowledge of and intent to implement strategies to respond to climate change. Findings will help to engage maple producers in the development of strategies to plan for and adapt to the potential impacts of climate change, help businesses transition over time, and sustain the maple syrup industry for as long as climatic conditions allow.

Researchers

Diane Kuehn of SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Lisa Chase of University of Vermont Extension

Learn More

Report, Summary and Fact Sheet 2016

Fact Sheet: Survey of Maple Producers About Climate Change (PDF)
Final Report: Perceptions of Maple Producers Towards Climate Change (PDF)
Northeastern States Research Cooperative Project Summary: Perceptions of Maple Producers Towards Climate Change

Journal Article (Open Access)

Kuehn, D., L.C. Chase, and T. Sharkey. 2017. Adapting to climate change: Perceptions of maple producers in New York and Vermont. Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems and Community Development 7(3):43–65.

Funding for this project was provided in part by the Northeastern States Research Cooperative, a partnership of the Northern Forest states in coordination with the USDA Forest Service.