Sustainability

Sustainability in action

Vermont maple producers always have a focus on sustainability to ensure the long-term success of their forests. It can take 40 or more years for trees to grow to a tappable size, and it takes intentional work during that time to make sure they stay healthy. Sustainability encompasses a number of different areas, from forest management to tapping practices, and much more.

Two metal sap buckets attached to a tree trunk in a snowy forest.

VMSMA partners across the industry, in the US and Canada, to work on creating and sharing best practices and the latest research with producers and advocating for the industry's work at the state and federal level.

Currently, we're working in partnership with the International Maple Syrup Institute (IMSI) on a collaborative committee process to work on a variety of climate resiliency work identified through five pillars:

Pillar 1: Carbon survey
  • Create a survey to gather data on carbon dynamics and producer practices
  • Carbon accounting and the potential for agricultural carbon sequestration markets
Pillar 2: Maple producer education
  • Develop educational materials focusing on fundamental information for producers and consumers
Jars of maple syrup in gradations of amber and black stacked in front of a snowy window view.
Pillar 3: Influence consumers to prefer maple syrup
  • Promote maple syrup consumption, focusing on a communications plan, social media, and sustainability branding
Pillar 4: Government relations
  • Create shared language and common talking points to effectively communicate with legislators.
  • Need for state-specific strategies and data to support climate-friendly initiatives
  • Shared document for Maple Syrup Policy Landscape to identify gaps and commonalities in legislation
Pillar 5: Expand and grow the market
  • Create a clear message and role of IMSI in promoting sustainability
  • Multi-tiered approach to marketing, for various audiences

 

Sustainability and climate resiliency weave their way into all of the Association's work. We will continue to update members on emerging topics and relevant information throughout the year.