Introduction to Maple Syrup Production

Description

Awareness of the origins and evolution of maple syrup production; contextualization of the geographical distribution of maple syrup production; global trade and the state of production and legislation in New Brunswick; overview of organic certification for maple syrup.

Objectives

• Understand the origins and history of maple syrup
  • Describe the role and importance of Indigenous Peoples in the discovery of maple syrup
  • Explain the contributions of European settlers to the development of maple sap collection and processing methods
  • Outline the evolution of the maple syrup industry from its discovery to the present day
• Understand the geographical distribution of global and provincial maple syrup production
  • Describe the percentage of maple syrup produced in various countries worldwide
  • Detail the percentage of maple syrup production in different regions of New Brunswick
• Grasp the importance of global maple syrup trade
  • Outline global export rates
  • Explain the importance of inventory and syrup reserves
• Understand the state of maple syrup production in New Brunswick
  • Recognize the laws and legislation surrounding syrup production in New Brunswick
  • Describe the role of the New Brunswick Maple Syrup Association (NBMSA)
• Understand the advantages and importance of organic certification for maple syrup
  • Detail the principles and standards of organic certification for a sugar bush
  • Identify permitted inputs
  • List recognized certifiers in Canada

Content Overview

• Origins of Maple Syrup: Discovery of maple sap by Indigenous Peoples, wooden spouts, bark buckets, etc.
• Contributions of Early Settlers: Augers, spouts, metal buckets, cast iron cauldrons, etc.
• Industry Evolution: Introduction of sugar shacks (1750), flat-bottom boiling pans (1865), evaporators (1872), metal buckets and spouts (1923), etc.
• Geographical Distribution of Global Production: Canada, USA, Germany, Japan, UK, France.
• Provincial Production Distribution: Restigouche, Southwest, Madawaska-Victoria, etc.
• Global Export Rates (2018): USA (62%), Germany (11%), Japan (5%), Others (22%)
• Inventory and Reserves: Consistent supply, price stability, etc.
• Maple Syrup Industry in NB: NBMSA, legislation, etc.
• Organic Certification: Benefits, principles, organic vs. non-organic, standards, inputs, eligibility, certifiers, inspection visits, discrepancies, and conversion