International Maple Syrup Institute
  • Home
    • President's Address
  • ABOUT IMSI
    • IMSI History
    • IMSI Purpose & Mission
    • Board of Directors/Advisors
    • Policies & Positions
  • Membership
    • Becoming a Member
    • FAQ's
    • Meeting Records >
      • Annual IMSI Activities & Accomplishments Reports
      • Minutes - Annual General Meeting
      • Board Meeting Summaries
  • News & Events
    • Latest Headlines
    • Maple Events
    • Maple Syrup Contests
  • IMSI Awards
    • Golden Maple Leaf Award
    • Lynn Reynolds Award
    • President's Award
  • RESOURCES
    • Links: MAPLE INFORMATION & RESOURCES
    • Production & Manufacturing
    • Sales & Marketing
    • Nutrition, Labeling & Grading >
      • Maple Syrup Nutrition Profile
      • Maple Syrup Science
      • Maple Grading & Research
    • Services & Consultation
    • Research >
      • Maple & the environment
  • Contact

fall_2018_report_imsi.pdf
File Size: 1368 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


imsi_report_may_2018_.pdf
File Size: 573 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File



Tap Into the Passion for Real Maple
File Size: 1445 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File



collaborative_maple_syrup_marketing.pdf
File Size: 1370 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


2016 Art of Water Promotion.pdf
File Size: 4156 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


maple_syrup_final_notice.pdf
File Size: 241 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

revised_u.s._standards_for_grades.pdf
File Size: 77 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

North American Maple Contest Gidelines


Towards a Collaborative Maple Syrup Marketing Effort

November 2016
Picture

The Art of Water Promotion

November 2016
Picture

United States Standards for Grades of Maple Syrup

11 January 29, 2015
 
To Whom It May Concern:
 
This is to notify you that the final notice for the revision of the United States Standards for Grades of Maple Syrup will be published in the Federal Register on January 29, 2015.  This revision will become effective 30 days after publication on March 2, 2015
 
AMS has revised grade standards for maple sirup (syrup) based on a petition from the maple syrup industry.  The proposed revision defines quality factors and establishes new color determinations for Grade A, and established a new classification for Processing Grade.  The grade of a sample unit of maple syrup would be ascertained considering the factors of color, flavor, odor, damage, and turbidity or cloudiness.
 
Copies of the notice, and revised grade standards are attached, and are also available
on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov
 
AMS wishes to thank all of those involved for their efforts during this project.  This revised standard will harmonize the voluntary Federal standards with those of the five states that have their own standards as well as those in Canada.   These standards will provide better information to the consumers for purchasing maple syrup, and expand the marketing of maple syrup in North America and internationally.
 
Sincere regards,
 
Richard Peterson
Agricultural Marketing Specialist
Specialty Crops Inspection Division
Agricultural Marketing Service
United States Department of Agriculture
richard.peterson@ams.usda.gov
Phone: (202) 260-8158

nutrition_and_health_benefits_of_pure_maple_syrup.pdf
File Size: 22200 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

poster_11x17_eng.pdf
File Size: 2688 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Picture
^ Maple Poster, 24 x 36
Picture
Picture
^ Maple Card, 2 versions available: 4 x 6 with bleed, or 5 x 7 with white border. Both require double sided printing.

Setting International Standards for
Pure Maple Syrup

The IMSI has a very important role in the development of international standards for pure maple syrup. These standards will help position the industry for  the further development and expansion of markets for pure maple syrup around the world. In the 1990’s, the IMSI developed equipment manufacturing standards to ensure that contaminants would not enter syrup through new equipment installations and to encourage adoption of the new standards in all aspects of the maple syrup production and packing process. These standards have been a very important reference for both government regulators and industry representatives since they were developed and continue to serve as a very useful reference.

Since 2002, the IMSI has been involved in developing an international standard definition, grades and nomenclature for pure maple syrup. This project undertaking has been a very important priority of the institute for many years and has entered the final stages which should lead to implementation. Adoption of the proposed changes into government maple regulations and development and marketing of new color classification equipment are required before implement can proceed. It is expected that government agencies will allow for a transition period to help facilitate change to the new standard.
Summer 2013 - IMSI Status Report and Draft Information release
Click the titles to read each report:
Status of Progress in Incorporating the IMSI Standard Grades Proposal into Federal and State/Provincial Maple Grades Regulations in the United States and Canada

Information Release from the International Maple Syrup Institute (IMSI)
Update Regarding Implementation of Standardized Maple Grading and Nomenclature in North America

Click below to download a print ready pdf version for this maple grade poster, 24 x 36 at size, white border.
maple_classes_pst_e_24x36_prsrdy.pdf
File Size: 2310 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Click below to download a print ready pdf of either the 4 x 6 card with bleed, or 5 x 7 with white border. Both require double sided printing.


Picture

Standard Definition, Grades and Nomenclature
for Pure Maple Syrup

This IMSI Proposal and Update Powerpoint presents:
  • Background
  • Benefits
  • Proposal for Standard Maple Grades and Nomenclature
  • Implementation Plan
  • Summary
Please note: this file is 12 Mb in size, so may take some time to download.
international_grades_and_quality_standards.ppt
File Size: 11950 kb
File Type: ppt
Download File


Picture

Status of Progress in Incorporating the IMSI Standard Grades Proposal into Federal and State/Provincial Maple Grades Regulations in the United States and Canada
Status Report – December 2016

progress_chart_standard_grades_proposal__updated___report_15_dec_2016_.pdf
File Size: 556 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

 

JURISDICTION

STATUS – IMSI STANDARD GRADES PROPOSAL

CANADA

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency(CFIA) commenced work on the standard grades file following the unanimous passage of a motion in the Canadian Senate, recommending the adoption of the IMSI Standard Grades Proposal. Following a round of public consultation, the CFIA has prepared the regulations. They were published for public comment in Canada Gazette Part 1 on June 28th, 2014. The 75 day public comment period ended on September 10th, 2014. The approved final Maple Grading Amendments and requirements were published in Gazette 2 on December 31st, 2014. Gazette 2 can be accessed at http://canadagazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2014/2014-12-31/html/sor-dors297-eng.php CFIA registered establishments and maple syrup imports and exports in all provinces are subject to the MPR grading requirements. Maple syrup sold within the different provinces is subject to any applicable provincial regulatory requirement; only Ontario and Quebec currently have provincial-level maple grading regulations in place. The approved regulations allow for a two year transition period to accommodate the new Canadian maple grading requirement.

PROVINCES

Ontario

OMAFRA and MRA staff have reviewed the Canada Gazette 1 publication of the proposed maple grades amendments. The Ontario Maple Syrup Producers has strongly encouraged Ministry staff to re-open the Provincial level Maple Grades Regulations to accommodate the changes proposed by the IMSI. Both the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association and the IMSI are monitoring the status of follow-up on the proposed Maple Grades amendments in Ontario. Now that the Canadian Federal government has published Gazette 2 , based on early indications from the government, it was expected that the province would re-open its Maple Grading Regulations to accommodate the amendments. However, the Ontario government is currently stalling and appears to be resisting re-opening of the Regulations. The Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association will continue to work at the political level in an attempt to move the government to action.

Quebec

MAPAQ officials have reviewed the Canada Gazette 1 publication of proposed maple grades amendments. IMSI member representatives are maintaining contact with MAPAQ officials and will continue to monitor the status of the proposal in Quebec. The Quebec government continues to consider the proposed amendments. Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers will need to align their grading and classification system with the IMSI Proposal. At the beginning of January 2015, the FPAQ sent a letter to MAPAQ officials asking the to revise their maple grading regulations and offering our support during this process. MAPAQ acknowledged receipt of the Federation letter and we are awaiting further developments.

The Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers will need to align their grading and classification system with the IMSI Proposal. This is separate from maple grading regulations administered by the Quebec government.

UNITED STATES

The notice for the proposed revision of the United States Standards for grades of maple syrup was published in the Federal Register on May 7th 2014 and allowed for a 60 day public comment period. The Register posting ended on July 7th and USDA officials are reviewing and addressing the comments received during the posting period. Both the IMSI and the NAMSC have sent letters of support for the maple grades amendments proposed by USDA. Comments received following the Register posting were largely supportive of the proposed grading amendments. The final notice for the revision of the United States Standards for Grades of Maple Syrup will be published in the Federal Register on January 29, 2015. This revision will become effective 30 days after publication on March 2, 2015 

STATES

Vermont

A joint resolution supporting the grade changes was passed by both the Senate and House in 2013. This was requested by the Governor and Secretary of Agriculture to show legislative support for the changes. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture and the Vermont Maple Sugarmakers Association are assisting implementation of the new grading rules that went into effect on January 1, 2014. There was a one year grandfather period to use existing grade labeling, and a 3 year period for sales of Vermont syrup within the State of Vermont to use both the old and the new grading systems. Feedback the IMSI has received from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture and from IMSI members in Vermont has been positive and implementation is proceeding well to-date. Based on reports received , consumers are especially liking the taste descriptors on the new product labels. Vermont is entering its second year of implementation in 2015.

Maine

A new Bill passed in the Maine Legislature replaces the existing maple syrup grading system for the State with the new grading system that has been proposed by the International Maple Syrup Institute. It proposes a uniform grade of maple syrup: Grade A for maple syrup sold at retail. The Bill was to take affect only upon adoption of the new grading system by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Canadian federal government and notice of the actions being provided by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Senate, the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Reviser of Statutes. Since, both the Canadian and US Federal governments have announced the final maple amendments, Maine will be implementing the new standard in 2015 with a one year transition period.

New York

New York State government officials have developed Maple Grades Regulations, incorporating the IMSI’s Maple Grades proposal. Public hearings on the IMSI Grades proposal were held in 2013 with strong support being the outcome from this exposure. In August 2013, the IMSI Executive Director was informed that the maple syrup grade changes proposed by the IMSI will be required in law in New York State on January 1st, 2015.

Ohio

It is expected that Ohio will adopt the Federal level Maple Grades Amendments now that they have been approved by the USDA.

New Hampshire

Legislative approval was not required as part of the approvals process in New Hampshire. The new grade rules were approved on December 16, 2014 and must be complied with effective January 1st 2016 at the latest.

 

Picture
Site design by Mary Moore, ​Cedar Lane Studio       Copyright IMSI 2012
Site Header images courtesy of Mark Isselhardt

Contact Us  | Links
  • Home
    • President's Address
  • ABOUT IMSI
    • IMSI History
    • IMSI Purpose & Mission
    • Board of Directors/Advisors
    • Policies & Positions
  • Membership
    • Becoming a Member
    • FAQ's
    • Meeting Records >
      • Annual IMSI Activities & Accomplishments Reports
      • Minutes - Annual General Meeting
      • Board Meeting Summaries
  • News & Events
    • Latest Headlines
    • Maple Events
    • Maple Syrup Contests
  • IMSI Awards
    • Golden Maple Leaf Award
    • Lynn Reynolds Award
    • President's Award
  • RESOURCES
    • Links: MAPLE INFORMATION & RESOURCES
    • Production & Manufacturing
    • Sales & Marketing
    • Nutrition, Labeling & Grading >
      • Maple Syrup Nutrition Profile
      • Maple Syrup Science
      • Maple Grading & Research
    • Services & Consultation
    • Research >
      • Maple & the environment
  • Contact