Economic impacts of maple syrup production potential in Kentucky: Input-output analysis

Abstract

Maple syrup has been produced in the United States for centuries. This production has been predominantly in the northeast states. Recent studies indicate promising maple syrup potential beyond the traditional boundaries. This study assesses the economic impacts of potential maple syrup production in Kentucky. Using the input-output analytical framework, likely producer price is considered at three maple syrup production potential levels. At a producer price of $9.48 per liter, the potential total impacts range from 336 jobs and $6.2 million in output at the lower production level to 1356 jobs and $25.05 million in output at the high production level. The potential tax impact of the maple industry ranged from $0.39 million at the lower production level to $1.6 million at the high production level. These results demonstrate the potential of maple syrup production to provide economic benefits to the state through job creation and revenue generation. These results could be used as a basis for favorable policies to support and expand maple syrup production as a viable income source for woodland owners in Kentucky and similar maple producing regions.

Citation

Thapa, Bobby; Ochuodho, Thomas O.; Lhotka, John M.; Thomas, William; Muller, Jacob; Brandeis, Thomas J.; Olale, Edward; Zhou, Mo; Liang, Jingjing. 2025. Economic impacts of maple syrup production potential in Kentucky: Input-output analysis. Forest Policy and Economics. 173(conf): 103459-. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2025.103459.