Oneida Indian Nation announces plans for maple farm

VERONA, N.Y. — The Oneida Indian Nation is going sweet for its newest business enterprise — Wahta Maple Farm.

Located on Oneida Indian Nation lands, it will create premium-grade, certified-organic syrup in a variety of flavor profiles with a sustainable approach to sugaring that minimizes environmental impact. Wahta Maple Farm will also seek to expand understanding of the rich cultural and historical value of maple trees and sap among the Oneida people.

Wahta Maple Farm will create a traceable product that is grown, processed, and produced using small-batch production methods with production beginning next spring. To support this new enterprise, the Oneida Indian Nation will expand its existing maple stock by planting hundreds of new trees.

The farm will generate new seasonal jobs and the revenue generated by the maple farm will contribute to support for Oneida Indian Nation members and programming.

“The maple tree has long held an important place in Oneida culture, and the hard work and partnership required to produce maple syrup reflect the ways in which the Oneida people and our partners have worked together to continue the growth and success of our region,” said Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Oneida Nation Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter. “We are proud to honor this tradition with Wahta Maple Farm and to continue growing the enterprises that have been so critical to securing a brighter future for nation members and all of Central New York.”

Syrup will be available in the spring at SavOn convenience stores and Maple Leaf Market locations as well as at Turning Stone Resort Casino, other Oneida Indian Nation properties, and, eventually, additional retail locations throughout the region.

Other ventures of the Oneida Indian Nation through its Oneida Nation Enterprises include casinos, convenience stores, marinas, vacation rentals, and a recently announced cannabis operation.