WORTHINGTON, Mass. (AP) — The maple sugaring season in Massachusetts is kicking off.

Although some sugar makers in the state have already started making syrup this season because of favorable weather, state agricultural Commissioner Greg Watson is scheduled to get the season formally started Monday at Red Bucket Sugar Shack in Worthington by tapping the ceremonial first tree.

He’ll be joined by Ed Parker, president of the Massachusetts Maple Producers Association.

A proclamation by Gov. Deval Patrick declaring March as “Maple Month” will also be read.

About 300 Massachusetts maple producers typically produce about 50,000 gallons of syrup per year, worth almost $3 million.