On Feb. 6, 2026, Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell joined maple syrup enthusiasts and officials at Blue Ends Farm in Shelbyville to proclaim February as Maple Syrup Month in Kentucky.
The event highlights a renewed interest in maple syrup production across the state. According to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s official website, the department fosters agritourism, farmers markets, and farm safety through initiatives like Raising Hope and supports agricultural economic development and policy implementation to benefit producers.
“Maple syrup production has a storied history in Kentucky,” Shell said. “Through the years, production may have lessened but it’s making a resurgence and Kentucky is certainly blessed to see that. It adds that sweetness to Kentucky agriculture.” Shell serves as commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and operates a multigenerational family farm.
The Kentucky Maple Syrup Association (KMSA) reports that maple syrup production in the state dates back to Native Americans, who used tree sap for sugar before European settlers modernized the process for both sugar and syrup. The practice declined until the 1940s when sugar rationing prompted rural Kentuckians to return to tree tapping for sweeteners. Today, technological advances and economic changes are driving a new wave of maple syrup production.
John Duvall, president of KMSA, said, “While Kentucky sits just south of traditional maple regions, our forests are full of maple trees representing a largely untapped resource with the potential to grow the state’s agricultural economy through syrup production.” He added that there are more than 30 species of trees suitable for syrup and that syrup production sustains forest land without requiring tree harvesting.
KMSA has about 50 members statewide and organizes educational events such as Kentucky Maple Days on Feb. 7 and Feb. 21, where producers open their farms for tours and demonstrations. There are over 100 maple syrup producers in Kentucky, many operating small family farms. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture operates across the state to support producers and promote local agricultural goods, aiming to enhance sustainable agriculture, agritourism, and value-added products.
Duvall said, “It’s amazing what can be made out of the maple syrup (…) From candies to maple covered nuts and even maple cotton candy, if you use refined sugar in your recipes, you can replace it with maple syrup.” Those interested can find more information on KMSA’s website or Facebook page.
For more details visit the official press release.
