2022 Schools
International Maple Syrup Institute (IMSI) Maple Syrup Grading School: Promoting Quality, Increasing Profit
International Maple Syrup Institute Maple Syrup 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.
IMSI Maple Syrup Grading School
October 30 and 31, 2022
La Crosse Wisconsin
- Maximum: 25 Participants
- Cost: $140/Person
- Registration Deadline: Saturday, October 22, 2022
2022 Agenda (Tentative)
First Day, October 30
9:00-9:30 a.m.: Refreshments
9:30-10:30 a.m.: Introductions and Review Agenda
10:30-11:15 a.m.: Hands-on Grading Exercise (five stations)
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: State and Federal Regulations, IMSI uniform grade standards, FSMA, Lead Proposition 65, Terroir
12:15-1:00 p.m.: Lunch (provided)
1:00-1:30 p.m.: Viscosity: Lecture and Exercise
1:30-2:30 p.m.: Density: Lecture and Exercise
2:30-3:30 p.m.: Color: Lecture and Exercise
3:30-4:00 p.m.: Clarity, Chemical Safety, Filtering
4:00-5:00 p.m.: Map of Maple, Flavor profiles, Standard Flavors
5:00-5:30 p.m.: Review, Questions, Preview Tomorrow Dinner on your own
Second Day, October 31
8:00-8:30 a.m.: Refreshments
8:30-9:00 a.m.: Off Flavors lecture
9:00-10:00 a.m.: Flavor Exercise – All
10:00-10:15 a.m.: Break
10:15-10:45 a.m.: Judging Maple Products lecture
10:45-11:45 a.m.: Judging Exercise, participants break into groups and judge their syrup and discuss – All
11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Lunch (provided)
12:30-2:30 p.m.: Final grading exercise, discussion, and evaluation – All
If you need an accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Jason Lilley at jason.lilley@maine.edu, or call 207.781.6099 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.