Vermont Sugar Makers Rely on Migrant Workers

Maple syrup producers double output, but struggle to find local labor

Mar. 26, 2026 at 4:08am

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Vermont's maple syrup producers have doubled their output over the past decade, now accounting for more than half of the country's maple syrup. However, sugar makers are becoming increasingly dependent on the help of migrant workers from places like Mexico and Jamaica to sustain this vital industry, as they struggle to find local labor.

Why it matters

Maple syrup production is a crucial part of Vermont's economy and cultural identity. The industry's reliance on migrant workers highlights the challenges of finding domestic labor for seasonal agricultural work, even in an industry as iconic as Vermont maple syrup.

The details

This season, eight maple producers in Vermont requested 46 seasonal foreign workers through the H-2A visa program, according to data from the Vermont Department of Labor. Others hired migrant workers using out-of-state labor contractors. There is no definitive count of migrant maple workers across the state.

  • Over the past decade, Vermont's maple syrup output has more than doubled.
  • This current 2026 maple syrup season saw 8 producers request 46 seasonal foreign workers through the H-2A visa program.

The players

Vermont Department of Labor

The state agency that tracks data on the use of H-2A visas by Vermont maple producers.

Lucy Tompkins

A reporter for Seven Days who reported on the growing dependence of Vermont sugar makers on migrant labor.

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The takeaway

Vermont's maple syrup industry, a cornerstone of the state's economy and culture, is grappling with labor shortages that are forcing producers to increasingly rely on migrant workers. This trend highlights the challenges of finding domestic labor for seasonal agricultural work, even in an industry as iconic as Vermont maple syrup.