Q: What are the requirements to become a member?
A: In order to become a member of the IMSI, an individual, company or group must have an interest in the maple syrup industry and pay the annual dues which are appropriate to their membership category. Commencing in 2011, all IMSI members are required to abide by the IMSI’s newly introduced Code of Ethics. A copy of the Membership Application Form can be accessed on the IMSI’s website or obtained from the IMSI’s Executive Director at any time.

Q: When and where are IMSI meetings held?
A: The IMSI convenes quarterly meetings of their Board of Directors. The latest two Board of Directors meetings were held on February 2^nd, 2011 in Burlington, Vermont and on May 20^th in Croghan, New York. The next IMSI Board of Directors meeting will be held in Moncton, New Brunswick on Wednesday August 24^th. This will be followed by an IMSI Directors meeting on Sunday, October 23^rd and their Annual General Meeting on Monday October 24^th in Frankenmuth, Michigan. The meetings in Michigan are part of the Annual Meeting Program of the International Maple Syrup Institute (IMSI) and the North American Maple Syrup Council (NAMSC). The overall NAMSC and IMSI Annual Meeting event will be held from Sunday October 23^rd to Wednesday October 26^th. The Registration package for the NAMSC and IMSI meetings in Michigan will be posted in this location on IMSI’s website as soon as they are available.

Summaries from these meetings and a copy of the official minutes can be obtained upon request by Institute members from the IMSI’s Executive Director.

Q: What is the difference between the IMSI and the NAMSC (North American Maple Syrup Council)?
A: The North American Maple Syrup Council is comprised of representatives from state/provincial maple producer associations in Canada and the United States. This organization focuses primarily on issues of concern to maple syrup producer groups and actively supports maple research. The International Maple Syrup Institute is comprised of state and provincial maple associations, maple equipment manufacturers and other maple businesses and individuals. The Institute focuses its efforts on international standards for pure maple syrup, product quality and marketing in the international marketplace. The two organizations often work together in helping resolve issues of importance to the maple syrup industry.