Addressing maple syrup processing operations.

 S-1718.1

SENATE BILL 5778

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2025 Regular Session

By Senators Shewmake, Short, Chapman, Lovick, Krishnadasan, Wellman, Saldaña, Schoesler, Muzzall, Warnick, Wagoner, Liias, Robinson, and Slatter

Read first time 02/25/25. Referred to Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources.

AN ACT Relating to maple syrup processing operations; adding a new chapter to Title 69 RCW; and prescribing penalties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that the bigleaf maple is the tallest species of maple in North America, native to the Pacific Northwest, a distinctive and attractive species of tree, and a key part of Washington's forest ecosystems.

(2) The legislature further finds that bigleaf maple sap can be processed into maple syrup, with significant value added potential. Bigleaf maple syrup has a unique and desirable flavor profile that reflects the nuances of the trees' environment. On average, between 60 and 90 gallons of bigleaf maple sap are required to make one gallon of bigleaf maple syrup.