Oneida Indian Nation’s Wáhta’ Maple Farm Increases its Maple Syrup Production by 35% in its Second Season; Now For Sale at Nation Venues

In only its second sugaring season, Wáhta’ Maple Farm has increased the amount of its maple syrup production by 35% and has plans for continued growth. The Oneida Indian Nation’s premium maple syrup is now certified organic by NOFA-NY Certified Organic.  Wáhta’ Maple Farm syrup allows the Nation to share the cultural significance of maple sap and syrup in Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) culture with the community. Wáhta’ Maple Farm syrup is now available to purchase at Maple Leaf Market, SavOn Convenience Stores, Turning Stone, Point Place Casino, YBR Casino & Sports Book and the Shako:wi Cultural Center.

Oneida Indian Nation Homelands (April 3, 2024) – The Oneida Indian Nation announced today Wáhta’ Maple Farm has increased the production of its premium maple syrup by 35% this year. In its second sugaring season, Wáhta’ Maple Farm collected more than 50,800 gallons of sap and produced 675 gallons of syrup (vs. 32,650 gallons of sap and 500 gallons of syrup in 2023). The Wáhta’ team tapped more than 3,200 maple trees this year, ranging in age from 40 to 150 years old. The Oneida Indian Nation has plans to continue expanding its maple syrup production, and by the end of next year expects to tap approximately 7,000 trees and produce nearly 3,000 gallons of maple syrup, weather permitting. The Oneida Indian Nation also announced its maple farm’s premium syrup is now certified organic by NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC.

Wáhta’ Maple Farm syrup is now available for purchase in a variety of sizes at Maple Leaf Markets, SavOn Convenience Stores, the General Store and Oneida Heritage at Turning Stone, YBR Casino & Sports Book, Point Place Casino, Sylvan Beach Supply Co. at The Cove at Sylvan Beach and the Oneida Indian Nation’s Shako:wi Cultural Center.

Producing syrup from Wáhta’ Maple Farm allows the Oneida Indian Nation to share with the community the significance of maple sap and syrup in Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) culture. The Haudenosaunee consider maple sap to be a gift from the Creator that provides a sweet reward after a long winter – and, to ensure gratitude for this gift, transforming sap into maple syrup requires a great deal of hard work. Today, the Oneida people continue to celebrate the Creator’s gift by holding maple ceremonies each spring.

From the sugarbush to bottling, Wáhta’ Maple Farm syrup is produced entirely on the Oneida Indian Nation’s homelands, tapping some of the same trees Oneida ancestors would have used to produce syrup more than 100 years ago.  

Wáhta’ Maple Farm takes a sustainable approach to sugaring and bottling that minimizes environmental impact. The sugarbush is maintained with sustainable forestry practices, and no chemicals or pesticides are used within the sugarbush or on adjacent lands. Environmentally friendly processes are also used from sap collection to syrup bottling, including advanced reverse-osmosis equipment that maximizes yield for every batch of syrup produced. This approach has made the organic certification of the maple syrup possible and is a reflection of the Oneida Indian Nation’s long-standing commitment to conservation and sustainability.