International Maple Grading School
Two Days of In-Person Lectures and Hands-On Demonstrations
This class is held each Fall. The location for the 2025 class will be in Michigan following the North American Maple Syrup Council (NAMSC) 2025 Conference
International 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.
Sample Agenda:
Day 1:
9:00-9:30 a.m. – Refreshments and Sign-in
9:30-10:30 a.m. – Introductions and Review of Agenda
10:30-11:15 a.m. – Hands-on Grading Exercises (Five Stations)
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. – State and Federal Regulations, IMSI Uniform Grading Standards, Chemical Safety, FSMA, Lead Prop 65 and 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 and Filtering
4:00-4:45 p.m. – Map of Maple, Flavor Profiles, Standard Flavors
4:45-5:15 p.m. – Review, Questions, Preview of Tomorrow’s Agenda
5:15 p.m. – Adjourn/Dinner on your own
Day 2:
8:00-8:30 a.m. – Refreshments
8:30-9:00 a.m. – Off Flavors Lecture
9:00-10:00 a.m. – Flavor Exercise
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, Break into Groups
11:45-12:30 p.m. – Lunch (Provided)
12:30-2:30 p.m. – Final Grading Exercise, Discussion, Evaluation
For more information or a reasonable accommodation, please contact Jason Lilley at jason.lilley@maine.edu or phone 207.781.6099. Receiving requests for accommodations at least seven days before the program provides a reasonable amount of time to meet the request, however, all requests will be considered.
For more information about the history of the Maple Syrup Grading School, visit the Maple Syrup Grading School home page.
To sign up for “Maple News,” visit the Sign Up for Newsletters page on UMaine Extension’s Cumberland County website:
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