Volume 5

October 2026

Environmental Resilience Committee

A clearer picture of the maple forest

IMSI is working with the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers' Association (OMSPA) to explore how LiDAR technology can help us better understand maple forests and their role in carbon storage, using LiDAR data provided by the Ontario Woodlot Association (OWA).

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) uses aerial laser scanning to create detailed maps of forest structure, including tree heights, density and the distribution of tree sizes. This information can help researchers estimate forest biomass and the carbon stored in trees.

At the Environmental Resilience Committee's October 6 meeting, the group was presented with  an update on the Lanark District pilot project in Ontario. The project is exploring how LiDAR data, combined with information from maple producers, can help estimate the carbon footprint of participating maple operations.

The pilot is an important step toward developing a more complete picture of maple production, bringing together information about the forests themselves and the activities involved in producing maple syrup.

The work is still evolving. The findings will help identify both the potential and the limitations of using this technology across the maple industry. 

To learn more about IMSI's environmental survey and LiDAR work, explore the project on our Forest Stewardship page .

For IMSI members: The October 6 presentation, summary report and meeting recording are available in the Environmental Resilience Committee Resources section of the Member Portal.

LiDAR point cloud of a sugar maple stand

Photo: Ontario Woodlot Association. A three-dimensional LiDAR point cloud of a sugar maple stand. Colours represent height above ground (green to red).

Industry priorities & investment

Funding & research

What’s Next?

Identify industry's research priorities

IMSI is working with industry partners to identify research priorities that reflect the needs of maple producers, processors, equipment manufacturers and researchers across North America.

The goal is to clearly communicate the maple industry's research needs and priorities to government agencies, funding organizations and researchers, helping guide future research initiatives, partnerships and funding opportunities.

From sap collection and processing technologies to forest management and product quality, input from across the industry will help shape discussions about future opportunities.

What research questions should the maple industry be focusing on? IMSI encourages members to share their ideas and priorities as this initiative moves forward.

U.S. investment

USDA Awards $5 Million in Acer Grants for 2026

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded more than $5 million to 12 projects through its 2026 Acer Access and Development Program.

The funded projects address a wide range of industry priorities, including maple tubing sanitation, syrup quality, forest management, production efficiency and market development.

Notable projects include Cornell University's research on defoaming agents and sap filtration, the University of Vermont's development of a maple syrup quality testing laboratory, and Future Generations University's work on tubing sanitation practices.

These investments will support research, education and practical tools to help maple producers improve productivity, maintain product quality and explore new market opportunities.

View the complete list of 2026 Acer grant recipients

Dominion & Grimm - IMSI Sponsor

IMSI advocacy

Policy & regulation

Tariff watch

Protecting cross-border trade remains an IMSI priority

Ongoing trade uncertainty continues to create challenges for the North American maple industry. While pure maple syrup itself is not currently subject to additional U.S. tariffs, measures affecting certain equipment, packaging materials and other industry inputs remain a concern for producers, manufacturers and suppliers on both sides of the border.

Recent changes to U.S. tariff measures, including those introduced under Section 338, have added further complexity to cross-border trade. IMSI continues to work closely with its Washington representative, John Goldberg, and industry partners to clarify how these measures apply to maple products and equipment, identify potential impacts and communicate industry concerns to government officials.

Recent developments in Canada–U.S. trade discussions have raised the possibility of progress toward resolving some outstanding disputes. With the U.S. midterm elections approaching in November, trade policy is also receiving increased political attention. While the direction and timing of any changes remain uncertain, these developments could influence the broader trading environment in the months ahead.

Our priority remains clear: protecting the movement of maple syrup, equipment and supplies across the Canada–U.S. border. IMSI will continue monitoring developments and advocating for policies that support a stable, predictable trading environment for the entire North American maple industry.

Regulatory watch

Advancing IPA approval in Canada and the U.S.

IMSI continues to advance efforts to establish a clear regulatory pathway for using 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to sanitize tubing, working with researchers, industry partners and regulatory specialists on both sides of the border.

In the United States, discussions with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have helped identify a potential registration pathway. IMSI is now working to determine the supporting research, technical information and industry partnerships needed to move the process forward.

In Canada, changes to the regulatory framework for sanitizing products have introduced additional considerations. IMSI is working to better understand how these changes may affect the existing use of IPA and what steps may be required to maintain an appropriate regulatory pathway. At the same time, IMSI is also seeking more information about potential alternatives to IPA.

Our goal remains to provide producers with effective, practical and clearly authorized sanitation options. IMSI will continue coordinating these efforts across Canada and the United States as the work progresses.

Across the maple industry

Industry news

Spotlight

Giving maple tubing a second life in Ohio

Replacing maple tubing is part of maintaining a productive sugarbush, but disposing of old tubing can be a challenge. In northeastern Ohio, a recycling initiative is offering producers a practical alternative to sending it to the landfill.

Clover Recycling, based in Warren, Ohio, is accepting used maple tubing through a partnership with Northeast Ohio maple producers. The initiative was introduced to IMSI's Board of Directors by Fred Ahrens of the Ohio Maple Producers Association.

Producers can deliver their used tubing to Clover Recycling in bulk bags stacked on pallets. There is currently no charge to drop off the material, although producers are not paid for it either.

Clover has been working with the Vinyl Institute in Washington to secure funding for equipment that could process plastic tubing and metal components together. Discussions are also underway about a possible collection location in Vermont. These plans are still in development.

By sharing initiatives like Ohio's, IMSI hopes to encourage practical recycling opportunities elsewhere in Canada and the United States. Producers interested in the Ohio program can contact Fred Ahrens of the Ohio Maple Producers Association for more information.

NAMSC 2026 conference

Connections in Northern Ontario

The 2026 North American Maple Syrup Council (NAMSC) Conference took place October 21–23 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, marking the first time the event was hosted in Northern Ontario.

Hosted by the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers’ Association (OMSPA) and the Algoma Maple Syrup Producers Association (AMSPA), the conference brought together maple producers, researchers, equipment manufacturers and industry representatives from across North America.

Under the theme On the Northern Edge , the program featured technical presentations, industry tours, equipment exhibits and opportunities to exchange ideas on maple production, research and innovation.

The annual gathering remains an important opportunity to share knowledge, strengthen industry connections and explore common challenges and opportunities facing the North American maple sector.

Lapierre - IMSI Sponsor

Strong Demand Reshapes Quebec's Strategic Reserve

Strong demand for maple syrup is changing the balance of inventories in Quebec. While the province's strategic reserve is expected to be fully allocated by early 2027, substantial volumes are held in commercial warehouses, and industry officials indicate that overall market supply remains adequate.

35 MILLION LBS+
Estimated increase in buyers' maple syrup inventories

According to Quebec Maple Syrup Producers, inventories have largely shifted from the strategic reserve into commercial warehouses.

The reserve, managed by Quebec Maple Syrup Producers (PPAQ), helps stabilize supply between production seasons. While remaining reserve volumes have already been committed to buyers, the PPAQ estimates that commercial inventories have increased by more than 35 million pounds. Overall supply is therefore considered comparable to the same period last year.

The development highlights both the continued growth of the maple market and the importance of expanding production capacity. Quebec has authorized millions of additional taps in recent years, with the expectation that increased production will help meet future demand and eventually replenish the reserve.

For the broader North American maple industry, the situation underscores the importance of maintaining reliable supplies as international markets continue to develop.

Field note · Forest health

Spotted lanternfly detected in Canada for the first time

On September 15, 2026, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the first detection of spotted lanternfly in Canada, in Windsor, Ontario. Already established in parts of the United States, this invasive insect feeds on more than 100 plant species, including maple trees. Movement restrictions and surveillance measures are in place to help prevent its spread.

Research from Penn State University has raised concerns about its potential impact on maple forests. Heavy spotted lanternfly feeding can reduce photosynthesis and slow the growth of young red and silver maple trees; the long-term effects on mature maple trees remain uncertain.

Spotted lanternflies can spread by laying egg masses on trees, vehicles, equipment and other outdoor surfaces. Producers can familiarize themselves with the insect and report suspected sightings to the appropriate authorities.

Spot it? Snap it, catch it and report it                       Penn State maple research

The Conversation Continues

The initiatives and developments featured in this edition are just part of the work taking place across the maple industry. Through collaboration, information sharing and continued engagement with industry partners, researchers and government agencies, IMSI remains committed to advancing the interests of the maple sector across Canada and the United States.

Have News to Share?

The IMSI Bulletin is also an opportunity to highlight the people, projects and initiatives shaping our industry. We welcome contributions from members and industry partners, including research updates, new initiatives, upcoming events and other developments of interest to the maple community.

Have something you'd like us to feature in a future edition? We'd love to hear from you!

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