VERONA, N.Y. — The first batch of maple syrup produced for the Oneida Indian Nation’s new Wahta Maple Farm business enterprise is available for purchase.
The syrup is produced entirely on nation homelands. The Wahta team tapped more than 2,000 maple trees in this first year of sugaring, collecting 32,650 gallons of sap boiled down into approximately 500 gallons of maple syrup.
By the third year of operations, the Oneida Indian Nation expects to tap more than 10,000 trees and produce nearly 4,000 gallons of syrup, weather permitting.
“Maple syrup holds a special significance in Haudenosaunee culture, one that our people have honored since time immemorial,” Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Oneida Nation Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter said in a press release. “With this commemorative first-edition syrup, Wahta Maple Farm will allow us to share our cultural legacy with our neighbors throughout upstate New York while continuing our commitment to sustainability and doing all things unto the benefit of the Seventh Generation.”
All syrup produced by Wahta is created using sustainable sugaring practices that reflect the nation’s commitment to environmental stewardship including sustainable forestry practices and avoiding the use of chemicals. Wahta uses environmentally friendly processes for everything from sap collection to syrup bottling including advanced reverse-osmosis equipment that maximizes yield.
The commemorative first-edition syrup is available at Maple Leaf Market and SavOn convenience store locations, Turning Stone Resort Casino’s General Store and Oneida Heritage, YBR Casino & Sports Book, Point Place Casino, Sylvan Beach Supply Co., and the Oneida Indian Nation’s Shako:wi Cultural Center.
Oneida Indian Nation operates numerous business enterprises under its Oneida Nation Enterprises umbrella including Wahta Maple Farm, Turning Stone Resort Casino, Maple Leaf Markets, SavOn convenience stores, and more. Oneida Nation Enterprises employs more than 4,500 people.