The International Maple Syrup Institute Maple Grading School is for maple producers, bulk syrup buyers, state inspectors, and others needing to accurately grade maple syrup or judge maple product entries at fairs and contests. Quality control issues are also addressed. This school provides a strong scientific base combined with intensive hands-on exercises. This approach enables participants to learn how to grade or judge maple products with confidence.

Over 200 participants have attended the International Maple Syrup Institute Maple Grading School since 2004. They increased their knowledge about grading maple syrup and saved money by increasing their profits, increasing their sales, or reducing their costs.

“The hands-on aspect was awesome! I retain so much more with hands on training and I feel like I am walking away with a lot!” –Participant, 2007

“For me as a small producer and educator, I think the actual grading part is less important than the information about how to be sure we are making high quality product — free of the defects we learned about.” –Participant, 2005

“Every one who bottles or make syrup should take this.” –Participant, 2010

“This is the best two days of my life since I became a sugarmaker.  Thank you.” –Participant, 2010

Winners of the 2011 Golden Maple Leaf

Photo by Alison Kosakowski

The 2011 International Maple Syrup Institute Golden Maple Leaf Award recognizes outstanding contributions which have helped advance the North American Maple Syrup Industry in at least one of the following areas: research, education/technology transfer, equipment innovation, or product marketing.

2013 Maple Syrup Grading Schools

• May 10-11, 2013 held at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Somerset County Office in Skowhegan.  If you need additional information or have any questions, please contact Kathy Hopkins at  207.474.9622 or khopkins@maine.edu. Registration Deadline: May 6, 2013.
• July 9-10, 2013 at the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association Summer Tour in Cornwall, Ontario.  If you need additional information or have any questions, please contact Kathy Hopkins at  207.474.9622 or khopkins@maine.edu. Registration Deadline: June 28, 2013.
• October 4-5, 2013 at the Franklin County Sugarmakers Association in Fairfield, VT.  If you need additional information or have any questions, please contact Kathy Hopkins at 207.474.9622 or khopkins@maine.edu. Registration Deadline: September 30, 2013.

Tentative agenda

Directions

Online registration

Or download our Grading School (2013 registration packet Word).

If you need additional information or have any questions, please contact Kathy Hopkins at  207.474.9622 or khopkins@maine.edu.