AUGUSTA, Maine - A bill that would make maple syrup the official Maine sweetener has finally won the endorsement of the Maine Legislature and is on its way to Gov. Paul LePage for his signature.
Maine Maple Producers Association President Lyle Merrifield says the legislation will help boost a growing industry in the state.
"We look forward to using it as a promotional tool," Merrifield says. "It's going to be very important to us, and the good thing about it is both small and large producers can use this. So it should be a great thing for our industry."
Senate President Mike Thibodeau, a Republican from Winterport, signed the legislation in a ceremony at the State House, sending the bill to the governor. He said the legislation would help a boost a segment of Maine agriculture.
