How Sweet It Is: New Maple-Sugaring Law Reduces Liability for Landowners

HARTFORD – This year, with help from a new business-friendly policy, Connecticut’s maple sugar industry can expect growth as access to sugar-producing maple trees expands.

On October 1, Public Act 14-18, introduced by State Rep. Craig Miner (R-Litchfield), went into effect. This legislation provides landowners immunity from any civil liability that might be incurred for injuries sustained while people are permissibly, and without charge, participating in maple-sugaring activities on their land.

Currently, 90 percent of Connecticut consumers get their maple syrup from outside of the state. This statute is expected to reduce dependency on out-of-state maple sugar markets—particularly, those in Vermont and Quebec, Canada—while simultaneously generating more interest in our own maple-sugaring activities.

The new law, approved by the legislature in April and signed by Governor Malloy in May, has many supporters and is being celebrated by advocates and legislators alike.

“By introducing this legislation, Representative Miner is fostering an environment in which more small businesses can be created and one in which they can thrive,” said Rep. Piscopo. “I am proud to say I supported this legislation and I am excited to see its positive effects on our economy.”

Quebec, the largest maple sugar producer, taps 33 percent of its trees while Vermont taps 4 percent. Alternatively, Connecticut taps a mere one-tenth of 1 percent of its trees. Providing landowners with liability immunity, Connecticut will have the potential to join these larger markets.

“Because of this new legislation, Connecticut has the potential to not only decrease its dependency on out-of-state markets, but also become a major market in its own right,” said Rep. Piscopo.

-####-