Quebec’s
producers and buyers have agreed on a deal that will hold maple syrup prices
steady for the upcoming harvest.
The main
change in the agreement is adoption of the federal government’s new grading
standards which have also been adopted by Quebec and Ontario.
The
Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers representing maple syrup producers and Conseil
de l'industrie de l'érable (CIE), representing maple syrup buyers, both
expressed satisfaction with the deal.
The last
time they failed to agree was 2012 when the issues were settled via
arbitration.
Subject
to approval from the province’s body that supervises marketing boards, this
year’s harvest prices will be Golden $2.95, Amber $2.94, Dark $2.85, and
Very Dark $2.55 per litre.
The
price of syrups classified as Canada Processing Grade will remain $1.80.
The
premium for certified organic maple syrup has increased from $0.175 per pound to
$0.18 per pound.