Maple syrup producer taps into northern Vermont with plans to be biggest in North America

Producing maple syrup has traditionally been a side business for generations of farmers in Vermont, which is the country's top maple syrup producer.

Now a Connecticut company is tapping into thousands of acres of maple trees in the remote northeastern part of the Green Mountain State, with plans to be largest maple syrup producer in North America.

Sweetree LLC plans to sell maple-based products.

Its large-scale production has created full-time jobs in a poor region and will help local producers by buying their organic syrup, but it's also generated some curiosity and concern from those in the maple business.

A Quebec company has already moved into the same region to purchase more syrup from U.S. producers, citing demand among consumers who don't want foodstuffs made with high fructose corn syrup.