SUTTON — Vermont Gov. Phil Scott tapped a maple tree at Pure Gold Sugaring in Sutton on March 3 to mark the start of the state’s maple season, according to a community announcement.

Scott was joined by the Solinsky family and Vermont Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbetts to celebrate the state’s maple industry, which plays a significant role in Vermont’s economy and culture.

“This important event recognizes Vermont’s maple industry and the hard-working families that produce the best maple in the world,” Scott said. “The Solinsky family, and so many families like theirs, work to make sure our state is producing the highest quality maple syrup. Their hard work and dedication year-round is why we continue to lead the nation in maple production and excellence.”

History of Pure Gold Sugaring

The Solinsky family began their maple operation in the 1940s, using wooden buckets and horse-drawn sleighs to collect sap. Today, the operation has expanded to include over 7,000 pipelined maples with modern amenities, allowing them to collect more sap while preserving the integrity of the trees.

“Sugaring season is about connecting with our friends, family and community through the wonders of Mother Nature, with our maple syrup as a sweet bonus,” Kurt Solinsky of Pure Gold Sugaring said. “We are fortunate to have had past generations instill the importance of forest management and care to help us be able to expand to the size we are today, while still producing the highest quality maple syrup that we can. We hope to continue that tradition for my sons and our family’s future generations and prove what my dad always said after each boil, that ‘this is the best syrup ever!’”

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets supports the state’s maple industry through marketing programs, labeling and product quality inspections, and funding for the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association Sugarhouse Certification Program. In 2024, the agency awarded Maple Agriculture Development Grants totaling $540,000 to 11 Vermont maple producers. These grants aim to improve infrastructure, enhance food safety, increase operational efficiency and adapt to climate changes.

“For generations, the Solinsky family has helped Vermont become the leading maple syrup producer in the nation, with the help of families like theirs across the state,” Tebbetts said. “The impact this industry has on Vermont’s economy and brand is significant and special. We are here to recognize families like the Solinskys who help Vermont maintain the high quantity and quality of maple production year-to-year. We celebrate the sweetness of Vermont’s maple producers and products!”

Upcoming maple events

Vermont sugar makers are now working to produce pure Vermont maple syrup for the season. The annual Vermont Maple Open House Weekend, scheduled for March 22-23, will offer Vermonters and visitors the opportunity to visit sugarhouses around the state. More information can be found at vermontmaple.org/mohw.

Two additional events in April will celebrate the state’s maple industry. The Vermont Maple Festival, taking place April 25-27, will feature various events and food opportunities. The Kingdom Maple Festival, scheduled for April 19 in St. Johnsbury, will showcase Northeast Kingdom maple history and producers, along with treats and activities for the whole family.

This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.