As temperatures begin their familiar springtime swing between freezing nights and warmer days, maple syrup producers across our province are tapping trees and getting ready to harvest the crop that comes from that most iconic Canadian symbol – the maple tree.
It’s fitting that maple syrup season arrives just as Canadians begin looking for signs of spring. The maple leaf has long been one of the country’s most recognizable symbols, appearing on our flag, representing Canada around the world, and standing for the quality and care that Canadians bring to the products they produce.
“Maple syrup is one of the most legendary Canadian foods and it all begins with the maple tree,” says Angela Field, farmer and director with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). “When people around the world see the maple leaf, they think of Canada, quality and authenticity — and maple syrup producers help bring that symbol to life every spring.”
Ontario is Canada’s third largest maple syrup producing province, contributing four per cent of the annual crop behind Quebec (90 per cent) and New Brunswick (six per cent). Ontario boasts over 600 maple producers who collectively produced approximately three million litres (nine million pounds) of maple syrup in 2025, contributing more than $50 million to the provincial economy.
Canada is the global leader in maple syrup production, with farmers harvesting 119.5 million kilograms of maple syrup last year and exporting approximately 70.8 million kilograms to more than 70 countries around the world. And as much as we love maple syrup here at home, about 60 per cent of Canada’s maple syrup production is actually exported – with the United States as the largest buyer.
“Visiting a local sugar bush or choosing maple syrup produced by Canadian farmers is a great way to support local agriculture and rural businesses and show appreciation for home grown products,” Field adds. “Maple syrup is a product that truly connects people to the land and to the farmers who produce it and we encourage everyone to celebrate the start of spring with a taste of the country’s most iconic flavour.”
The OFA’s Home Grown campaign raises awareness of the importance of preserving Ontario farmland to produce local food, fuel, flowers and fibre – and maple syrup.
Many Ontario maple syrup businesses will be welcoming visitors during Maple Weekend on April 4 and 5 by offering tours, demonstrations and the chance to taste fresh maple syrup and maple products right where they are made. More information on how to visit a farm near you is available here; for recipe-focused inspiration, visit ontariomaple.com.
Source : OFA