Nova Scotia Maple Industry Expected to

AGRICULTURE/FISHERIES--Nova Scotia Maple Industry Expected to Grow

Nova Scotia's 125 maple producers have the potential to become regional leaders by putting a greater emphasis on co-operation and market development, according to a market report commissioned by the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in 2002.

Representatives from the department and the author of the Maple Industry Development Project Report, McIsaac & Associates, summarized the report's findings at the annual meeting of the Maple Producers' Association of Nova Scotia on Jan. 18.

"This report has captured the state of the industry today, comparing Nova Scotia's production and marketing with other maple producing states and provinces," said Linda MacDonald, executive director of the department's industry development and business services branch. "This research is an important step for maple producers in planning their industry's future."

The report identified many issues within the industry, such as its aging population with few new industry entrants, concerns over quality control and a difficulty meeting federal regulations that would allow for inter-provincial and international exporting.

The report says the best opportunity for growth and improved profitability would be an increase in marketing efforts to build specific awareness and demand for the Nova Scotia product. As well, it suggests enhancing the status of the industry association, optimizing yields and production efficiency, and developing business and marketing plans.

"This report is a valuable tool in giving direction for the development and promotion of the Nova Scotia maple industry," said Russell MacKinlay, president of the Nova Scotia Maple Producers Association.

At the annual meeting, the association's executive committee set a time in early February to review the report's results and discuss next steps.

Nova Scotia produced 110,000 litres of pure maple syrup from 335,700 taps on almost 1,700 hectares (4,200 acres) of land in 2002. At the farm gate, this was worth $1.1 million. More than 70 per cent of this production came from Cumberland County. The majority of Nova Scotia's maple product stays in the local market.

Quebec is Canada's top maple producer, providing 93 per cent of the country's production, followed by Ontario at 5.5 per cent and New Brunswick at 1.1 per cent. Nova Scotia produces 0.4 per cent of Canadian maple syrup.