RUMFORD — An effort is under way in Maine to boost the state’s maple syrup industry.

Democratic Rep. Matt Peterson of Rumford has submitted a resolve to create a 12-member commission to study the potential for expanding the industry and strengthening the brand of Maine maple products. A public hearing is slated next Thursday.

Peterson told the Sun Journal of Lewiston that although Vermont is the leader among U.S. maple producers, Maine forests have more hard maple trees than Vermont.

Vermont was the nation’s top maple syrup producer in 2010, with 890,000 gallons, while Maine was the No. 3 state with 310,000 gallons. New Hampshire was the fifth top producer, with 87,000 gallons.


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