History of the School

The International Maple Syrup Institute Maple Grading School began as the New England Maple Grading School and was the brainchild of Henry Marckres, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets; Sumner Dole, University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension; and Kathy Hopkins, University of Maine Cooperative Extension. With a grant from the Maine Agricultural Center and support from Leader Evaporator, the International Maple Syrup Institute and the Maple Digest, the first school was delivered in 2004 in Lancaster, NH. It was intended to be a one-time presentation but because of continuing demand it has been held annually and has been adopted by the International Maple Syrup Institute as a signature event offered in accordance with the IMSI mission to protect the quality and integrity of maple products. The North American Maple Syrup Council also sponsors the program. In its over 20 years of service, the school has run in almost every state and province across the Maple Producing Region.

Multi-year evaluation results show that 80% of participants (151) have increased their knowledge about producing high quality syrup by two to six steps on a seven-step scale. 

The school has received media attention including news articles by the Associated Press and National Public Radio, as well as local television and print media.

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

The National Association of County Agricultural Agents Search for Excellence in Forestry and Natural Resources recognizes NACAA members who have developed and carried out an outstanding extension educational program in environmental quality, forestry and natural resources.