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.

For me, I will be able to understand and discuss more intelligently with all the producers, anything concerning their individual syrup deliveries. –Participant, 2012

Thank you for this class it has been very helpful and informative.  I would definitely take the class again and would have others that help me with my operation also come and highly recommend to others that are in the business. –Participant, 2012

I do not want my name associated with bad syrup. This is an excellent class!!! Should be a requirement! –Participant, 2013

Excellent explanations, exercises and interaction. Far better than reading available material only. –Participant, 2013

Photo by Alison Kosakowski

2011 Winners of the Golden Maple Leaf

The 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.

2015  National Association of County Agricultural Agents, Search for Excellence in Forestry and Natural Resources — National Winner

2018 Schools

May 18-19, 2018

Jackson’s Mill 4-H Camp
West Virginia

October 24-25, 2018

Stonewall Farms
242 Chesterfield Rd.
Keene, NH 03431

If you need additional information or have any questions, please contact Kathy Hopkins at 207.474.9622 or khopkins@maine.edu. Registration Deadline: October 15, 2018.

• Register online
• Tentative agenda
• Hotels nearby

If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in this program, please call  Kathy Hopkins at 207.474.9622 or 800.287.1495 (in Maine) to discuss your needs. Receiving requests for accommodations at least 10 days before the program provides a reasonable amount of time to meet the request, however all requests will be considered.

Stonewall Farms, IMSI, UMaine, UVM and UNH are co-sponsoring this event. IMSI, UMaine, UVM and UNH do not imply an endorsement of Stonewall Farm or their products with this event.

This work is/was supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, RREA project 228285.