Canadian production has been trending upward since the very difficult 1993 season when only 16,039 tonnes were produced. This represents a major improvement from earlier years when most of the syrup was sold in bulk. Provincial Production Quebec is by far the largest maple producer in Canada. Most of the production is localized in the Central and Eastern part of the province. Lanark County in Eastern Ontario is the second major area of production in the province.
Specialists recommend sanitizing maple equipment with approved disinfectants only.
The use of paraformaldehyde pellets in maple tree taps to prevent microbial growth and increase sap flow is prohibited. It is most likely that the prices will be slightly lower due to a foreseen good run combined with a substantial increase in the number of taps. The industry captured a number export opportunities in the 90's, to increase its sales in promising markets like Asia and Europe. Product and establishment inspections are based on the Maple Products Regulations of the Canadian Agricultural Products Act and are subject to fees. More details are available on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.