By Suzanne Armstrong - July 24, 2015
As the Ontario government considers changes to maple regulations, the value of harmonizing Ontario with current federal regulations on maple production is clear. This will position Ontario maple producers for growth, and allow for greater consistency across the industry.
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[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JULY-24-CFFO.mp3"][/audio] Whenever I have travelled abroad, one of the things I miss most from home is our delicious maple syrup. Not much can beat Saturday morning breakfast with homemade pancakes covered in the pure maple syrup we buy from a farm just outside of town. Most Ontario maple producers are producing for customers like me, fellow Ontario citizens. However, there is a lot of potential for Ontario maple production to expand.
The Ontario government document "Discussion Paper: Potential Changes to Provincial Maple Requirements" clearly spells out the differences between current provincial and federal regulations. Becoming consistent with federal standards would mean Ontario changing from five colour descriptors to four, and requiring production codes or lot numbers on labels, along with the province or country of origin. It will be important to clearly inform the current Ontario customer base about any changes so they can easily find the product they want.
Harmonizing with federal standards would also mean adding a maximum sugar content to the already established minimum. Minimum sugar content ensures syrup will keep longer and that it is resistant to mould. Maximum sugar content prevents crystallization of sugar in syrup, adding to the visual appeal.
I spoke with a number of maple producers about the proposed changes. Many would like to see standards emphasize key aspects of maple production that ensure food quality and safety in maple products, especially syrup, across the province. Mandating lot codes and hot packing of syrup into food grade containers, for example, will go a long way towards this goal, and benefit both producers and consumers.
Modern consumers' interest in natural tree-sap based foods is creating new markets for innovative products beyond traditional maple syrup. The potential health benefits of birch syrup, for example, are catching people's interest, as are the benefits of maple sap based drinks. Ontario is home to agricultural innovators responding to these new consumer interests. I would like to see these new products supported, and, where possible, fit within the most appropriate existing regulations for each stage of their production. Having Ontario maple regulations consistent with recent federal changes will benefit the industry, and perhaps encourage expansion of some of the as yet untapped potential here in Ontario. Focusing regulation on key aspects of production will ensure good product quality and safety standards without becoming onerous on producers.
Thinking about these regulations has got me craving that amazing taste of home. I know what I will be having for breakfast tomorrow. -Suzanne Armstrong
______________________________________________________________________________________ Suzanne Armstrong is the Director of Research / Manager of Board and Committee Services for the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario. The CFFO Commentary represents the opinions of the writer and does not necessarily represent CFFO policy. The CFFO Commentary is heard weekly on CFCO Chatham, CKNX Wingham, and UCB Canada radio stations in Chatham, Belleville, Bancroft, Brockville and Kingston. It is also archived on the CFFO website: www.christianfarmers.org. CFFO is supported by 4,000 family farmers across Ontario.
