DrTimPerkins
03-06-2014, 10:15 AM
The local paper has an interesting story about the expansion of the Vermont maple industry
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20140306/BUSINESS08/303060009/
The focus is on the stabilizing effect of the Quebec Federation of Maple Producers maintaining a "Strategic Reserve." While this is quite helpful in some regards, in my opinion there are at least two other major factors at play.
1. Technology. With improved technology and practices, we now have yields that are nearly double what were achievable 15 yrs ago, with very little increase in production costs. The majority of U.S. growth is on the high-technology side.
2. U.S. / Canadian Currency Exchange Rate. The bulk price of maple syrup in the U.S. has gone from $1.80/lb in the early-2000s to about $2.70-2.80/lb in the last few years simply due to the exchange. That has made it possible for U.S. buyers to choose to buy syrup locally, rather than pay for Quebec syrup and the trucking costs. It’ll be interesting to see what happens now that the Canadian $ is softening some.
Best wishes to all for a wonderful 2014 season.....if and when it finally gets started.
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20140306/BUSINESS08/303060009/
The focus is on the stabilizing effect of the Quebec Federation of Maple Producers maintaining a "Strategic Reserve." While this is quite helpful in some regards, in my opinion there are at least two other major factors at play.
1. Technology. With improved technology and practices, we now have yields that are nearly double what were achievable 15 yrs ago, with very little increase in production costs. The majority of U.S. growth is on the high-technology side.
2. U.S. / Canadian Currency Exchange Rate. The bulk price of maple syrup in the U.S. has gone from $1.80/lb in the early-2000s to about $2.70-2.80/lb in the last few years simply due to the exchange. That has made it possible for U.S. buyers to choose to buy syrup locally, rather than pay for Quebec syrup and the trucking costs. It’ll be interesting to see what happens now that the Canadian $ is softening some.
Best wishes to all for a wonderful 2014 season.....if and when it finally gets started.