ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Watch out Vermont: New York is looking to boost its maple syrup industry by promoting syrup grown and processed within the state.
Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday announced the new "New York State Grown and Certified" label as a way to give a boost to local producers.
To be eligible for the distinction syrup makers must use syrup from New York maples that's been processed within the state. They must also follow state food safety standards and follow environmental rules intended to make the industry sustainable.
New York is one of the nation's top producers of syrup. According to federal statistics, the state had more than 2.5 million taps in production in 2016.
More than 750,000 gallons of syrup were produced last year in New York.
