Winter may still be in full swing, but the Lanark & District Maple Syrup Producers’ Association (LDMSPA) is already thinking about the upcoming maple syrup season.

LDMSPA is hosting their yearly Information Day and Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Glad Tidings Pentecostal Church in Perth from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. The event is intended as a networking and information-sharing event for existing producers or those contemplating entering into maple syrup production.

“We are looking forward to welcoming producers for a day of learning and networking before syrup season begins,” said LDMSPA president, Harold Walker. “It’s a great way for our members to get the cold weather off their minds and share tips and tricks before spring when the sap starts to flow.”

This year’s Information Day and AGM will feature presentations from maple dealer, CDL Maple Sugaring Equipment, covering topics such as reverse osmosis maintenance, soap and citrus acid wash, start-up and storage, as well as how to get 3/16″ tubing started properly, how to maintain and work high vacuum and how to figure out the next steps for expansion.

There will also be a maple butter demonstration, information on funding opportunities for maple operations, along with an update from both the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs and Ontario Maple Syrup Producers’ Association (OMSPA). Breaks will be given to allow for networking with other maple producers and engagement with maple equipment dealers.

The AGM takes place just before a traditional hot roast beef lunch is served.

During the AGM, the Sugarmaker of the Year Award – a prestigious award presented to long term maple producers, or those that encourage and support start-ups in maple production – will be presented. The LDMSPA President’s message will be delivered as well as an update on the Tapping Out Party (Feb. 29 at Fortune Farms), Ontario Maple Weekend (April 4 and 5), the Festival of the Maples in Perth (April 25), and Summer Tour in Brockville 2020.

LDMSPA is a group of over 90 maple syrup producers located in the Lanark, Frontenac, Leeds and Grenville Counties, as well as the Ottawa-Carleton areas of Eastern Ontario.

As a membership-based organization, LDMSPA supports its members by providing a forum to promote the production of maple syrup products, assisting members to stay current on changing industry regulations, and providing opportunities for networking, and education on the maple syrup industry in Ontario. It’s one of 11 local organizations that make up the OMSPA, a provincial organization that represents maple syrup producers across the province.

It is not necessary to be a member of the OMSPA to attend this meeting. Registrants who join OMSPA at the meeting will receive the discounted ticket price. To join OMSPA, or renew your membership for 2020, visit https://www.omspa.ca/become-a-member.

Please consider joining or renewing your membership before the meeting to expedite the registration process.

Registration is $30 per person for OMSPA members, $45 for non-members. You can register online at https://ldmspainfoday2020.eventbrite.ca, by email at ldmspa@outlook.com or by phone at 613-816-7518.

Reserve your ticket today!

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