Ohio House Passes Reps. Fowler Arthur's, D. Thomas' Legislation Supporting Maple Syrup Producers Across the State

COLUMBUS – State Representatives Sarah Fowler Arthur (R-Ashtabula) and David Thomas (R-Jefferson) today announced the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 733, legislation aimed at ensuring maple syrup producers receive the same recognition and protections afforded to other sectors of Ohio agriculture.

House Bill 733 recognizes the cultivation of trees for the production of maple syrup and maple products as an agricultural activity under Ohio law, providing greater clarity and consistency for producers across the state.

"Ohio's maple syrup producers are an important part of our state's agricultural heritage and economy," said Rep. Fowler Arthur. "House Bill 733 ensures these producers are treated fairly under Ohio law and have access to the same opportunities and protections available to other agricultural operations."

Under the legislation, land used for the commercial production of maple syrup and maple products would qualify for Ohio's Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) program, allowing eligible properties to be taxed based on their agricultural use rather than their market value.

"Maple syrup production has long been part of Ohio's agricultural landscape," said Rep. Thomas. "By modernizing our statutes, we are acknowledging the contributions of these producers and providing them with the certainty they need to continue growing their businesses."

House Bill 733 also incorporates maple syrup production into several existing agricultural statutes by:

Recognizing the cultivation of trees for maple syrup production within Ohio's statutory definition of agriculture;
Extending eligibility for agricultural district protections to maple syrup producers;
Including maple syrup and maple products in laws governing agricultural cooperatives and agricultural product liens; and
Ensuring maple syrup producers receive the same legal treatment as other agricultural operations under various provisions of Ohio law.
 

House Bill 733 now moves to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.