Maple Syrup Rules and Regulations

[Bill Southern NH]

When I was a kid my family made maple syrup on our family farm in upstate New York. With college and work since then, I have moved to Southern NH, and would like to start making syrup again with my family. I bought a new 2x6 evaporator this fall, but with time constraints, my wife and I decided that we would not use it for this season and only tap a dozen or so trees. We will use the evaporator for the 2016 season. We plan on selling the extra syrup that we produce in 2016. What are the rules and regulations for selling maple syrup in New Hampshire? Is there any regulations for the sugar shack itself? Concrete floors, or running water? Do we need to register with the state or town?

I greatly appreciate any information regarding the rules and regulations in New Hampshire.

Thanks,

Bill

[tuckermtn]

these are the ones currently proposed. not sure when final decision is coming though.

http://www.agriculture.nh.gov/publications-forms/documents/proposed-maple-rules.pdf

[68bird]

You would also want some sort of product liability insurance.

[red maples]

NH is pretty good. You don't have to register with state or town. not sure what town you are in but you might wanna just check with you're town selectman's office just to make sure. usually if it agriculturally based you don;t need anything. Use your best judgement, make sure you filter, grade accordingly. bottle above 180*F and you pretty much good. labels need to have name, address, phone. Thats really pretty much it. like mentioned below maybe a liability ins. policy wouldn't hurt either just to cover your butt.

[Russell Lampron]

The link that Eric posted pretty covers the rules for making syrup in NH. With only 12 or so taps it is unlikely that you will make enough syrup to have extra to sell. Consider joining the New Hampshire Maple Producers Association. There are a lot of benefits for being a member.

When building the sugar house a concrete floor is a must. Running water both hot and cold is not required but also a good idea if it is possible. If that is not possible you should have a source for hot water like the condensate from a steam hood or something to heat cold water. Plan your electric service so that it is big enough to handle the needs of a vacuum pump and RO machine. Build you sugar house with expansion in mind, you can never have too much space.