Beech Syrup Bill Passes State Legislature, Advances Consumer and Ag Producer Protections, Expands Syrups Market

ALBANY, NY – The State Senate and Assembly unanimously passed legislation (S5751/A4690) to set a clear regulatory framework for beech syrup and beech sugar so that agricultural businesses have expanded market access and are protected from false advertising.

Senator Michelle Hinchey (SD-46) and Assemblymember Donna Lupardo (AD-123), Chairs of the Senate and Assembly Agriculture Committees, carry the bill, which would regulate the manufacturing, sale, branding and labeling of beech sugar and beech syrup--a species of trees that are being tapped by producers to expand their markets for syrups and sugars. The state standards and regulations set by Hinchey and Lupardo’s bill are needed to protect product identity and help these products succeed in the marketplace.

“Real beech syrup has one simple ingredient--pure sap from the beech tree,” said Senator Michelle Hinchey. “I am pleased to partner with Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo on this legislation, which will ensure that any product marketed as being made with beech sugar or syrup is, in fact, made with these ingredients and is clearly labeled as such. New York ranks second in the nation for maple syrup production and we can expand that even further by creating new opportunities for producers to increase their markets and grow yet another sector of our Ag economy.”

“Maple syrup production is one of the fastest growing segments of NY agriculture,” said Assemblymember Donna Lupardo. This bill supports innovators looking to explore new product lines using beech sugar or syrup. It’s important that we safeguard consumers with Truth in Labeling laws, while also protecting the State’s producers of pure beech syrup products from unfair competition from cheap imitations. I’d like to thank Senator Hinchey for her partnership.”

New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher said, "The option to diversify is important to farmers looking to grow their businesses. This legislation looks to tap into beech syrup and sugars that could provide new opportunities for agriculture and help preserve valuable forests. It will also further support and protect the growing syrup producing community and their customers. New York Farm Bureau thanks Sen. Hinchey and Assembly Member Lupardo for sponsoring the bill.”

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