In a significant move to sweeten the success of Ontario's agriculture, the governments of Canada and Ontario are pouring over $1 million into the maple syrup sector. This financial infusion, part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), aims to upgrade operations for 77 maple syrup producers across the province.
The initiative showcases a commitment to enhance productivity, efficiency, and growth within this quintessentially Canadian industry.
Ontario government estimates that the maple syrup industry in the province accounts for 1,000 jobs and close to $42 million in gross domestic product (GDP). Ontario produces 4.5 percent (2.68 million litres) of Canada's yummy maple syrup and it is Canada’s third-largest maple syrup producing province, behind Quebec and New Brunswick.
This funding, coming through the Maple Production Improvement Initiative, is set to transform the landscape of maple syrup production. By providing cost-shared funding, the initiative supports the acquisition and installation of advanced equipment like reverse osmosis systems and remote monitoring technologies.
"This is a great first step to mutually grow the maple syrup sector in Ontario," said Randal Goodfellow, President, Ontario Maple Syrup Producers’ Association.
Also, importantly, it covers a portion of woodlot management activities essential for sustainable operation, including tree marking and forest plan development.
Ontario's maple syrup sector, a vital part of the province's agricultural tapestry, stands to benefit greatly from this initiative. As the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, highlight, this program is designed to keep Ontario's maple syrup businesses growing. It aligns with the Grow Ontario Strategy's objectives to expand and enhance the sector's size, efficiency, and competitiveness.
“Maple syrup is a quintessentially Canadian treat and this program is designed to expand the size, efficiency and competitiveness of Ontario’s maple syrup sector,” said Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs. “Through the Maple Production Improvement Initiative, we’re working to increase production, supporting specific growth targets laid out in our Grow Ontario Strategy.”
The Sustainable CAP, a five-year commitment from federal, provincial, and territorial governments, underpins these efforts. It signifies a broader push towards strengthening the agriculture sector's competitiveness, innovation, and resilience.
Ontario, ranking as Canada’s third-largest maple syrup producing province, produced about 2.68 million litres of syrup in 2022. This initiative is a testament to the government's dedication to nurturing this sector's growth, benefiting not just the producers but the entire value chain, contributing significantly to jobs and the GDP.
With Maple Weekend just around the corner, it's an exciting time for industry and a sweet opportunity for Ontarians to support local producers and partake in the festivities.