2024 International Maple Grading School

Two Days of In-Person Lectures and Hands-On Demonstrations

Friday, October 25 and Saturday October 26, 2024
8:30 a.m. Start Time, Both Days
Falmouth Regional Learning Center, Falmouth, Maine (Directions, Google Maps)

different grades of maple syrup in jars, maple syrup grading kitInternational 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.

Cost/Registration Fee: $145

  • Capacity: 25
  • Payment is per person for the two-day class.
  • Registration fees are non-refundable; this may be considered on a case by case basis.
Register Online

Agenda

Day 1: Friday, October 25

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: Saturday, October 26

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.


In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).