Beginning in 2022, the University of Missouri Extension and Center for Agroforestry will be using funds from a USDA grant for increasing syrup production in Missouri.  Their project will involve several steps that include a survey of hobbyists and producers, a survey of farmers markets, and eventually an educational outreach to help Missouri landowners learn about the process and possibly start a hobby, or grow their syrupmaking into a business.    I welcome this effort and hope that it meets with success.

The involvement of the University brings some great resources to our hobby/business;  their new website offers extensive helpful links at https://centerforagroforestry.org/treesugaring/  .   If you receive the survey, please note that your identity will not be used, they are merely collecting data about syrupmaking activity in Missouri, and the growth potential.  If you did not get the survey, or know someone who should participate in the survey and be aware of the University's involvement, please assist the University's effort by participating or informing others about it.   For more information or to receive the survey by email, please contact Alan Spell, Assistant Extension Professor, at 573-882-8167, email alan.spell@missouri.edu  .