NH Maple Rules Changing?

[PerryW]

Besides the Grading changes... Are there other changes in the NH Maple Rules? I heard rumors about having to eliminate all galvanized buckets and tanks after this season. Also prohibiting the use of stainless evaporators that have lead solder. Any truth to this rumor?

[red maples]

Not a rumor... they wanna get rid of anything lead. so yes phasing out anything galvanized, from buckets to tanks unless the bucket is new and says lead free stamped on it. (but at $30 a pop who wants those!!!) There is some other wording changes in there as well something about bottling temps, and a few other little things I don;t remember exactly. So basically everything needs to be aluminum, stainless or food grade plastic...

[Marc Duclos]

Rumors all way start by some ones short comings ho got there feelings hurt.
"They" The Association can clear your fears up by contacting them. They meat regularly and have by laws on how to vote. All it takes is $ 20 bucks and any one can vote on putting the screws to the guy that wants to make syrup and sell it from his front door. To day you have to be child proof if your going to let kids run around your operation. For me if you can walk under the barbed wire with out ducking your trespassing.

[red maples]

Sorry but I have to agree with getting rid of anything lead. The Dept of ag. was very open about the changes they intended to make. They had a powerpoint presentation at the annual meeting 2 years ago and asked about how we felt about the changes and I think except for the buckets everyone was pretty on board with everything. Simply because there are not as many producer that still use buckets not to say that there aren't any but Everyone agreed that lead is problem especially if you are selling to the big packers.

They then held a meeting for the NHMPA I believe NH ag office or where ever in Concord, to discuss the new grading system as well as the amendments to the rules. It was publicized throught the NHMPA.

[Mr. Red Maple]

Hey I would like to know more on this and where to find info on new maple regulations. I have also heard rumors in another post that you will need to be using all good grade plastic buckets which I agree with and not bottle in mason jars.

[red maples]

you can still bottle in mason jars. You can use plastic, or aluminum buckets or new lead free galv. buckets or sap sacks.

[PerryW]

Hey I would like to know more on this and where to find info on new maple regulations. I have also heard rumors in another post that you will need to be using all good grade plastic buckets which I agree with and not bottle in mason jars.

Also, whether our evaporators need to be tested for lead solder...

[red maples]

I don;t know about that yet. not sure which Ag rep you have for your region but best is to contact them so you can get everything in order for next season.