Quebec maple syrup production to focus on ‘sustainable optimisation’

The chair of a multi-stakeholder group focused on sustainable maple syrup production has ushered in a new era of research into the world’s favourite Canadian sweet treat.

Quebec’s Maple Syrup Production and Sugar Bush Management was created in collaboration with the state’s maple syrup producers, and includes indigenous people, governments, and specialist researchers.

With a surprising scarcity of scientific data on how the harvest of maple trees can be optimised in the long run while preserving forest health, Guillaume Morea, Research Chair of the group, has underlined the importance of fostering a deeper understanding of how maple syrup production can be aligned with its surrounding ecosystem. Morea told the University Affairs platform:

“I hope we’ll be able to offer many potential solutions and new insights. It’s a very important mission, to support not only the maple syrup industry, but everyone who has a stake in the forest.”

He continued by saying the group is developing the next era of maple experts who will be able to lead major projects in the future.

The Canadian province of Quebec alone accounts for around 72% of the world’s maple syrup production, with tens of thousands of farmers are involved in the state’s industry.

There are three species of maple syrup trees involved in the production of 100% pure maple syrup. These are the black maple, the red maple and the sugar maple. What makes these trees suitable is the high sugar content of their sap, which is typically in the range of between 2% to 5%.