Global Warming and Maple Syrup

Global warming is hitting New England hard in recent years. Over the past 100 years the average temperatures in the Northeast have increased by almost two degrees. In addition the growing season has gained about eight days, according to an UNH researcher. This many not seem like much, but it is enough to drastically affect the delighted environment of the Northeast, which is accustom to frigid winters and mild summers. The warmer winters is especially harmful to the maple syrup industry. According to the article, "warmer days and cold nights get the sap running in late February or early March, and the season lasts until the trees bud in April" but the warm winters are cutting this time down by extreme increments. According to a study in 2001, the maple syrup industry could disappear from New Hampshire within this century.
This may seem like a simple and easily ignore issue but it does bring up some interesting questions as to the future of maple syrup in America and in general. Without some of the main producers in the Northeast, the price of the syrup is sure to rise somewhat. Maple syrup is already sold at a increased price due to its short harvesting season and unique growing climate, but its prices can grow to huge sums of money. Maybe this could increase even the price of lower cost mediocre syrup in the future. In turn this could increase the price of baked goods, as well as other syrup. Even the quantity demanded for pancakes, a compliment good, could decrease due to the rising price of syrup. A final thought is that Canada is also a huge producer in the maple syrup industry. Perhaps we will see an increase in trade or smuggling of syrup into the US. Imagine, black market maple syrup!