The International Maple Grading School
About This School
This program provides a strong scientific base combined with intensive hands-on exercises. This approach enables maple producers, bulk syrup buyers, state inspectors, and judges to grade maple products with confidence.
2026 October Grading School Details
Our Flagship Event
The 2026 International Maple Grading School course will be held in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, this October during the North American Maple Syrup Council’s Annual General Meeting.
Registration opens soon!
Details will be posted right here, don’t miss it. If you’d like to be notified of the opening of registration, please contact Ava Sharpe at ava.sharpe@maine.edu or 207.581.8362.
- Location/Venue: Quattro Hotel, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, P6B 4Z2
- Dates: Tuesday, October 20 – Wednesday October 21, 2026
- Important Note: Registration includes all take-home materials, resources, and catered lunches.
School Agenda
At a Glance
Two-Day Annual Grading School
Who’s It For:
What’s Included in Registration:
Regional Quality Control Workshops
One-day workshops hosted by local organizers across the maple-producing region.
Developed by UMaine Extension and hosted by external organizations throughout the year at various locations around the United States. These hands-on workshops cover the four vital aspects of grading maple syrup. Participants gain experience using a variety of tools for grading color and density, and learn how to avoid common errors with these tools.
Upcoming Scheduled Workshop:
- Date: June 25, 2026
- Location: Windsor, Maine
- Host: Maine Maple Producers Association
What Alumni Are Saying
“I think everybody who makes maple syrup should attend one of these programs.”
— Participant, 2026
“[After participating] I made some of the best syrup that I’ve ever produced.”
— Participant, 2025
“[The program] greatly improved my ability to detect off-flavors and high-quality syrups. It’s probably not a coincidence that I won NAMSC best in show after attending the school.”
— Participant, 2022
“I learned how to use my existing equipment in better ways.”
— Participant, 2023
“Excellent explanations, exercises, and interaction. Far better than reading available material only.”
— Participant, 2013
Contact and Support
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact Ava Sharpe at ava.sharpe@maine.edu or 207.581.8362.
Contact
For more information or to discuss your maple needs, contact:
Jason Lilley,
Assistant Extension Professor of Sustainable Agriculture and Maple Industry Educator at email
jason.lilley@maine.edu
75 Clearwater Drive, Suite 104
Falmouth, Maine 04105
207.781.6099
Sign up to receive emails about our maple production workshops, webinars, and other resources:
Sponsored by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture