NORWICH – The maple business is a longstanding trade in Chenango County. Even so, some agriculturalists argue that people aren’t tapping into the opportunities of the local maple industry.

It’s just one concern maple sugaring experts hope to touch on during a special workshop to be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Cornell Cooperative Extension, 99 N. Broad St. in Norwich.

The program will feature maple sugaring expert Glenn Goodrich - of Goodrich Maple Farms in Cabot, Vt. - who will speak on the challenges and techniques of maple sugaring in the area. The event will also feature a tour of the Walling family sugaring operation in Norwich and focus on what it takes to maintain a successful maple sugaring business. Topics include marketing of maple products, sap pipeline construction, and advice for a lucrative maple sugaring operation.

Cost is $10 per person and there is a limit of 40 people.

The maple business could become a profitable industry in Chenango County if handled appropriately, explained Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County Executive Director Ken Smith.