comment_details: AMS-AMS-14-0040-0010

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AMS-AMS-14-0040-0010 The Vermont Maple Sugar Makers&rsquo; Association (VMSMA) supports the proposed revision to the &ldquo;United States Standards for Grades of Maple Sirup&rdquo; as published. The proposed standards will have many benefits for the maple syrup industry. <br/><br/>Implementation of the proposed standards will be a significant step toward standardizing the many maple syrup grading systems used across North America today. The State of Vermont adopted language consistent with this proposal in December of 2013, with a soft implementation of the new grades this year. Producers in Vermont have enjoyed the use of the new grading system and are reporting strong support from consumers. Other states are implementing similar language in 2015 or awaiting changes to the USDA grade standards. We strongly support the addition of the flavor descriptor to each grade as it assists consumers in selecting the flavor of syrup they seek. In addition to helping consumers at the point of sale, standardizing the grading nomenclature across the industry will aid the purchase and sale of bulk maple syrup. <br/><br/>The proposed standards also reclassify the darkest, mostly strongly flavored syrups as acceptable for retail sale. With consumer preference shifting toward darker, more robust flavored syrup, allowing this darker syrup to be sold at retail will greatly benefit small farming operations to maintain profitability while introducing new consumers to this product.<br/><br/>The Vermont maple industry generates more than $40 million in sales annually. Production has been growing as demand for a pure, healthy sweetener such as maple syrup has increased and today more than 2,000 farmers make maple syrup in Vermont. Implementation of these standards will help to expand market demand for pure maple syrup, making more farm businesses profitable.<br/><br/>In summary, we strongly support the proposed standards and urge the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to act on implementation of these regulations quickly. <br/><br/>Thank you for the opportunity to provide comment. <br/><br/>Matt Gordon, Executive Director<br/>Vermont Maple Sugar Makers&rsquo; Association<br/> Vermont Maple Sugar Makers' Association VERMONT MAPLE SUGAR MAKERS' ASSOCIATION Matthew Gordon Waterbury Center VT   United States Comment(s)   1jy-8crv-ctq0 0 AMS-AMS-14-0040-0002 2014-06-20T19:03:37Z       0 0