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USDA Rural Development Announces $390,558 in Investments for Maple Syrup Producers in Vermont and New Hampshire

Release Date

This investment will help producers market their value-added maple syrup products locally and across the nation

 

(Concord, N.H., March 20, 2026) – During Maple Weekend, USDA Rural Development Vermont and New Hampshire State Director Patrick Suprunowicz has announced that two maple syrup producers will receive a total of $390,558 to strengthen their maple syrup businesses.

State Director Suprunowicz said, “These investments are more than just a drop in the bucket - They represent meaningful support for the small businesses at the heart of New Hampshire and Vermont’s maple industry. During Maple Weekend, I’m proud to announce investments that strengthen our producers, expand their marketing reach, and help ensure our maple businesses continue to grow, innovate, and thrive.

The investments come in the form of Value-Added Producer Grants:

  • Runamok Maple LLC. has received a grant in the amount of $250,000 to support the production and marketing of three new products: Pumpkin Spice Infused Maple Syrup, Vanilla Bean Infused Maple Syrup, and a WhistlePig Rye Whiskey Barrel-aged Maple Syrup Gift Box. These new products will allow Runamok Maple to meet growing demand for their specialty maple products. An estimated three new jobs will be added as a result of this project.

     
  • Pumpkin Blossom Farm LLC. has received two grants totaling $140,558 to provide capital to support the market expansion of lavender-infused products made with premium, New England-grown lavender. Pumpkin Blossom Farm will expand their market by streamlining and improving their manufacturing and shipping processes and by launching an automated digital marketing campaign. Specifically, grant and matching funds will be used for salaries and associated costs for 3 new staff members, purchasing of manufacturing, packaging and shipping supplies, and a targeted, multi-channel digital marketing ad campaign.

The USDA Rural Development Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and marketing of new products. The goals of this program are to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities and increase producer income. To learn more about these programs, contact Ken Yearman, Business Programs Director.

For more information on USDA Rural Development investments in rural America, visit the Rural Data Gateway. The Rural Data Gateway is an online tool that strengthens USDA Rural Development partnerships with rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress by making investment data accessible to the public. Learn more online at www.rd.usda.gov, and subscribe to for GovDelivery updates.