Information and Resources for Sugarmakers
USDA Energy Grant
USDA Rural Development
Rural Energy for America Program. Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Grants and Guaranteed Loans.
The 2008 Farm Bill reauthorized funding to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption through the purchase of renewable energy systems and installation of energy efficiency improvements. The program is called the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Application Deadlines have not been announced for 2010 however Sugarmakers interested in applying for a grant should begin the process now by filling out the Intake Form (below)
You may only apply for a grant for equipment NOT yet purchased.
Download the Intake Form.
Read the lastest press release regarding VT REAP Important Deadlines.
Mail or e-mail your completed Intake Form to: Cheryl Ducharme, Cheryl.Ducharme@vt.usda.gov or Donna Montgomery, Donna.Montgomery@vt.usda.gov, USDA Rural Development, City Center, 3rd Floor, 89 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602. Once they have reviewed your Intake Form, they will send you the grant application package. You may reach Cheryl at 802-828-6083.
Contact Catherine Stevens, VT Maple Syrup Marketing Director at Stevens.Catherine@yahoo.com or 802-899-9926 with basic questions.
Maple Mainline
This publication is sponsored by the University of Vermont:
Click here for the current and past Maple Mainline issues.
The North American Maple Syrup Producers' Manual
 The 2006 North American Maple Syrup Producers' Manual is available. This edition is entirely new and contains contributions from twenty educators, researchers and maple producers from all across the maple region. Printed in full color the new manual has 329 pages and contains 13 chapters, 5 appendices and more than 150 illustrations. The information in this manual will be helpful to all producers whether you are just a beginner or an experienced maple producer or if you just want to learn more about the maple industry.
The price for the soft cover edition to VMSMA members is $22.95 plus shipping and 6% VT sales tax; Non-members $24.95 plus shipping and 6% sales tax.
The price for the hard cover edition to VMSMA members is $32.95 plus shipping and 6% VT sales tax; Non-members $34.95 plus shipping and 6% sales tax.
Contact Mary Croft at 802-763-7435 or email mcmaple@wildblue.net about obtaining a copy of this must have reference for your maple library.
Chapters and appendices included in the manual are as follows:
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. History of Maple Syrup and Sugar Production
Chapter 3. The Maple Resource
Chapter 4. Planning a Maple Syrup Operation
Chapter 5. Managing Maple Trees for Sap Production
Chapter 6. Maple Sap Production - Tapping, Collection, and Storage
Chapter 7. Maple Syrup Production
Chapter 8. Syrup Filtration, Grading, Packaging, and Storage
Chapter 9. Maple Sugar, Maple Cream, Maple Candy, and Other Products
Chapter 10. Marketing Maple Products
Chapter 11. Economics of Maple Syrup Production
Chapter 12. Maple Production Facilities
Chapter 13. Safety in the Sugaring Operation
Appendix 1. Maple Equipment Manufacturers and Sources of Information
Appendix 2. Maple Chemistry and Quality
Appendix 3. Determining Proportions When Adjusting Off-Density Syrup by Blending With Syrup, Water, or Sap
Appendix 4. Identifying and Eliminating Undesirable Flavors in Maple Syrup
Appendix 5. Sugarbush Lease Agreement
How to Recognize the Asian Longhorned Beetle
The following online guide was created by Bob Childs to help people recognize the Asian Longhorned Beetle.
Identify Asian Longhorned Beetle (PDF File, 190KB)
Entering Maple Syrup and Products At Fairs
The time is here when fairs and field days are starting. Here are a few tips on entering your maple products to get the best results in the contests.
Maple Syrup – the most important thing to remember is check it before you send it!! Grade your syrup as if you were the judge – check the four basics – color, clarity, density and flavor. You don’t want to be "surprised" by the sample you submit. Also, make sure you use a new container; used containers can contaminate even the best syrups.
Maple Products – this year, a significant amount of light colored syrup was made near the end of the season. This syrup usually has a high invert sugar level, meaning your products will not have the right consistency or create a small enough crystal to be rated well in the contests. Make some small test batches before you make your entry in order to be sure you are submitting your very best product.
If you have questions, feel free to contact me at 802-828-3458 or your Extension Maple Specialist.
Henry J. Marckres
Chief, Consumer Protection—VT Agency of Agriculture
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