FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 11, 2022
Lindsay Kazarick
Future Generations University
304-358-2000
lindsay.kazarick@future.edu
Designing and Operating Natural Vacuum Sap Collection Systems:
A Users Manual for 3/16th-inch Diameter Tubing
Franklin, West Virginia: Future Generations University announced today a new partnership
opportunity with West Virginia University and West Virginia State University. This partnership is
implementing a comprehensive research, education, and extension program benefiting maple
producers and landowners throughout West Virginia and all regions where maple syrup is being
produced using natural vacuum. Supported by a 2022 award from the USDA’s Agricultural
Marketing Service’s ACER Access Program, Future Generations University will be working with
research and field teams from both partnering institutions to build upon foundational knowledge
and work of Cornell University’s New York State Tubing Notebook.
“Maple syrup makers in mountainous regions overwhelmingly use sap collection systems that
generate ‘natural vacuum’ to increase sap production. This is a relatively new technology
providing tremendous benefits to the maple industry in West Virginia. This ACER Access funded
project will bring together researchers from three universities, Future Generations University
(FGU), West Virginia University (WVU) and West Virginia State University (WVSU) in
partnership with West Virginia and Vermont maple producers to develop a ‘natural vacuum’
system design and operations manual to maximize sap production and syrup quality,” says Dr.
Mike Rechlin, Lead Researcher, Appalachian Program, Future Generations University. “With
benefits throughout the Appalachian region, this work will result in an expansion of the maple
syrup industry in the region while minimizing environmental impact and mitigating the effects of
climate change. The result: more and better locally produced Appalachian maple syrup.”
This award presents an opportunity to formalize a relationship between three institutions of
higher learning in West Virginia in an effort to grow an emerging niche industry for the
Appalachian region. West Virginia State University is excited to partner and provides expertise
related to increasing sap yield with effective tubing sanitation and ensuring that the maple
collection process is as safe as possible for consumers,” Dr. Yangin Jung, the WVSU team lead
described. Dr. Jung is an assistant professor at the Agricultural and Environmental Research
Station of WVSU, with a focus on Food Science and Food Safety. Jung received her doctoral
degree in Food Science from Rutgers University. Prior to coming to WVSU, Jung worked as a
Research Food Technologist with the United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural
Research Service, where she investigated the level, prevalence, and characteristics of
foodborne pathogens from various foods. She also performed microbial challenge/validation
studies to improve food quality and ensure food safety. Jung is certified in Hazard Analysis
Critical Control Point (HACCP) Plan Development for Food Processors, a certified preventive
control qualified individual (PCQI) for human food, and a Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) trainer.
The benefits of this new partnership include:
1) Research into best practices related to 3/16th-inch diameter tubing usage, including both
engineering design of sap collection systems and food safety and sanitation concerns
2) Producer and landowner education related to best practice findings
3) Creation of a 3/16th inch diameter manual for use by Appalachian maple syrup producers
About Future Generations University
Together with the University’s partner organization, the Future Generations Global Network, our
Global Team gathers practitioners, students, academics, and community leaders in a universe
of learning to advance the well-being of people and planet. We are headquartered in the heart of
Appalachia where we reach other marginalized communities all over the world with our method
to advance community-based sustainable development.
The USDA’s ACER Access and Development Program
The USDA’s ACERAcer Access and Development Program falls under its Agricultural Marketing
Division to support the efforts of states, tribal governments and research institutions to promote
the domestic maple syrup industry. ACER supports Market Development and Promotion
projects to improve consumer knowledge, awareness and understanding of the maple syrup
industry and its products. ACER also supports the Producer and Landowner Education project
to advance producer knowledge, awareness and understanding of research, educational
resources, or natural resource sustainability practices affecting the maple syrup industry and its
products.