There were a series of public meetings this week in Vermont concerning a new industry-wide maple syrup classification system that will affect the whole Northeast. As it stands, each state has a slightly different syrup grading system, all of which differ from the Canadian system. As a result, it can be confusing for packing companies who buy and sell syrup across state and international lines. In theory, the different names might also be confusing to consumers, though I’m not sure anyone loses sleep over the nomenclature of their Fancy, or Grade A Light Amber, or Canada No. 1 Extra Light (AA) – all names for essentially the same syrup. (“Essentially” because Vermont and New Hampshire require a minimum density of 66.9% brix; elsewhere it can be 66.0%.)
The goal is to create a simple, unified system that’s used throughout the world. Early season, light-colored, delicately flavored syrup would be called “delicate/golden.” Middle of the road Grade A Medium Amber syrup would be called “rich/amber.” The syrup formerly known as Grade A Dark Amber would become “robust/dark.” And the very best syrup (my opinion, of course), the dark, sweet stuff you make before things go buddy and bitter, the syrup that’s currently known in New York as Extra Dark for Cooking and in Vermont and New Hampshire and Massachusetts as Grade B and in Maine as Grade A Extra Dark Amber and in Canada as Number 2 Amber, this syrup would all be called “strong/very dark.” All would be Grade A.
That the change is garnering headlines in Vermont this week and not elsewhere is a symptom of this state’s famously cantankerous nature and the fact that we like to discuss everything to death before acting (can be a blessing, can be a curse, for sure). This AP story reports that Ag. Agencies in other states are waiting to see what happens in Vermont before finalizing their own plans. Most industry insiders I know thought this was pretty much a done deal, but now there’s concern that the vocal minority who are opposed could carry the day. The legislature has to sign off on this, and no legislator wants to be branded anti-farming, or anti-maple, or anti-tradition.
My own feeling is that this is a sensible idea. I’ve always thought that “Fancy” and “Grade B” were dumb names – one connoting superiority, the other inferiority – when the fact is that they’re just different. Those who are attached to the old labels would still be free to use them – they just wouldn’t carry any official/legal weight.
My own opinion aside, there are some who feel strongly that this is a bad idea, and there is certainly something to be said for tradition and individuality.
What do you think?
Discussion *