A resolution recognizing the importance of maple syrup production to the State of Maine and designating March 24, 2024, as "Maine Maple Sunday".

Whereas the art of making sugar and syrup from the sap of the maple tree (also known as acer saccharinum) was developed by Native Americans of the Northeastern United States;

Whereas the production of maple syrup in the State of Maine has a seasonal window between January and May, which is when temperatures drop below freezing at night and rise above freezing during the day;

Whereas the State of Maine accounts for 17 percent of production of maple syrup in the United States and is the third largest producer among the States;

Whereas maple syrup producers in the State of Maine make more than 470,000 gallons of syrup annually, generating more than $55,000,000 for the economy of the State of Maine;

Whereas maple syrup production in the State of Maine supports more than 560 full-time and part-time jobs that generate more than $17,300,000 in wages;

Whereas Maine Maple Sunday has been observed for 41 years, with more than 100 sugarhouses participating from Aroostook to York County, Maine, and attracting thousands of visitors annually;

Whereas Maine Maple Sunday is always observed on the fourth Sunday in March; and

Whereas on March 24, 2024, maple syrup producers in the State of Maine will host the 41st annual Maine Maple Sunday: Now, therefore, be it