Syrup producers summit on tap for March 10

The Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) at Marshall University will highlight the region’s growing syrup industry and explore ways to capitalize on the potential to expand and diversify production March 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. during TAP, the Appalachian Syrup Producers Virtual Summit.

“Most of the syrup produced in West Virginia is from maple and is extracted and processed using methods handed down through the generations,” said Evan Nelson, RCBI’s manager of Agricultural Innovations. “We invite current producers and others interested in making syrup or learning more about the industry to join us to hear about techniques and inventions that improve effectiveness and efficiency. We’ll also talk about specialty syrups produced from other trees such as walnut and sycamore and about valuable resources to support producers.”

Nelson will highlight innovations developed at RCBI to increase sap extraction and decrease production time as well as detail RCBI’s U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded initiative to increase syrup production in select southern West Virginia counties.

Other speakers will include Mike Rechlin and Kate Fotos from Future Generations University, who will discuss walnut syrup production in West Virginia, new initiatives related to maple production and upcoming training and events related to the industry.

Greg Christian, vice president of the West Virginia Maple Syrup Producers Association and owner of Toms Creek Family Farm, will talk about the mission of his organization and provide an update on maple syrup production in southern West Virginia.

The event is free but registration is required at www.rcbi.org/syrup2022. For more information, contact Nelson at or 304.781.1657.

Other News

View All News

Toyota award to support RCBI engineering internship

Toyota West Virginia has recognized the Robert C. Byrd Institute’s (RCBI) commitment to provide engineering interns with real-world, hands-on experience by awarding a $5,000 grant to enhance RCBI’s Engineering-Entrepreneurial Services Internship Program. During a...

read more

Expo connects small businesses to supplier opportunities

Marshall University’s Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) and Advantage Valley are presenting another in their series of Supply Chain Expos to connect small suppliers to major companies while forging supply chain connections closer to home. The April 10 virtual event will...

read more

Drown connects industry to RCBI resources

Tanner Drown of Huntington has joined the Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) as business outreach specialist. In his new role, Drown will assist entrepreneurs, small businesses and large companies by connecting them to RCBI’s design, engineering and manufacturing...

read more

RCBI hires Mullins to oversee makerspace, STEM outreach

Kara Mullins of Huntington has joined the Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) at Marshall University as makerspace / STEM coordinator. She replaces Deacon Stone who has transitioned to a new role as RCBI’s EDA University Center director. In her new position, Mullins will...

read more

RCBI secures $4.5 million for apprenticeship initiative

The Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) at Marshall University has been awarded $4.5 million in federal funding to bolster and expand its national advanced manufacturing apprenticeship partnership. Apprenticeship Works, the National Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship...

read more

RCBI adds to trove of technology

The Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) at Marshall University keeps West Virginia manufacturers and entrepreneurs on the leading edge of technology by providing access to the latest manufacturing equipment – and the expertise to use it. This innovative edge can make all...

read more