Author ORCID Identifier
Date Available
6-21-2025
Year of Publication
2023
Degree Name
Master of Science in Forest and Natural Resource Sciences (MSFNRS)
Document Type
Master's Thesis
College
Agriculture, Food and Environment
Department/School/Program
Forestry and Natural Resources
First Advisor
Dr. Thomas O. Ochuodho
Abstract
Maple syrup production is traditionally associated with New England regions in the United States, but there is growing interest in expanding it to other regions with suitable environmental conditions, including Kentucky. This study presents an in-depth analysis of the potential production and economic impacts of maple syrup in Kentucky using a multi-method approach. First, the study applies a stochastic production model to assess the effects of climatic and tree variables on maple syrup yield. The results reveal that several variables, including the number of maple trees, taps, temperatures, tapping season length, and time, significantly affect maple syrup yield. Second, input-output and Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) modeling frameworks are applied to assess the economic impacts of the potential maple syrup industry in Kentucky. The results suggest that the industry has the potential to create jobs and generate significant output and revenue for the state. However, the study highlights the contingent nature of the economic impacts, which are constrained by factors such as production capacity and substitution effects, especially in CGE analysis. Overall, this study provides insights into the potential of maple syrup production in Kentucky and its economic impacts. The findings can inform policymakers, extension agents, and maple syrup producers in making informed decisions about the development of the maple syrup industry in the state and other maple syrup-producing states.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2023.271
Funding Information
This study was supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service's Grant (no.: NR195C16XXXG005) in 2019.
Recommended Citation
Thapa, Bobby, "ECONOMICS OF MAPLE SYRUP PRODUCTION IN KENTUCKY" (2023). Theses and Dissertations--Forestry and Natural Resources. 69.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/forestry_etds/69
Included in
Agricultural Economics Commons, Biostatistics Commons, Forest Management Commons, Natural Resource Economics Commons, Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons, Other Forestry and Forest Sciences Commons
