Oneida Indian Nation’s maple farm posts 35 percent rise in syrup production

VERONA, N.Y. — The Oneida Indian Nation’s maple farm is off to a strong start for its second season, with maple–syrup production up by 35 percent and more growth planned, the Nation announced.

In its second sugaring season, Wáhta’ Maple Farm collected more than 50,800 gallons of sap to produce 675 gallons of syrup. That’s up from 32,650 gallons of sap and 500 gallons of syrup in 2023.

The farm tapped more than 3,200 maple trees this year. The Oneida Indian Nation plans to expand production even more and expects to tap 7,000 trees to produce nearly 3,000 gallons of maple syrup, weather permitting, next year.

On top of the increased production, Wáhta’ Maple Farm’s maple syrup is now certified organic by Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York.

The farm says it takes a sustainable approach to sugaring and bottling that minimizes environmental impact. Trees are maintained with sustainable forestry practices without using chemicals or pesticides. The farm uses environmentally friendly processes from sap collection to syrup bottling, including advanced reverse-osmosis equipment that maximizes yield. This approach made organic certification possible.

With more syrup available this year, Wáhta’ Maple Farm added more locations where it’s available for sale. The syrup can now be purchased at Maple Leaf Markets, SavOn Convenience Stores, the General Store and Oneida Heritage at Turning Stone Resort Casino, YBR Casino and Sports Book, Point Place Casino, Sylvan Beach Supply Co. at The Cove at Sylvan Beach, and the Oneida Indian Nation’s Shako:wi Cultural Center.

Wáhta’ Maple Farm is an enterprise of the Oneida Indian Nation. Along with several casinos and convenience stores, those enterprises also include the seed-to-sale cannabis operation Verona Collective, The Lake House at Sylvan Beach, an RV park, and several marinas and employ about 4,500 people.