Description

This course will enable students to learn the history, evolution, and markets of the maple syrup industry. Additionally, students will gain insight into the geographical distribution of maple syrup production, global trade, and the state of the industry in New Brunswick.

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