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View Full Version : Syrup Co-op idea



sams64
04-21-2016, 05:52 PM
I have gotten to the point where I am making more syrup than we use as a family and give away as gifts. While the logical thing to do is make a little less, I'm thinking of trying to grow the operation and build a small (tiny?) business out of it. I am maxed out at about 65 taps on my property and don't really want to commit lots of time to retailing syrup. I do have lots of small farms in my area, none of whom which make syrup. Most of them do have maple trees and farm stands.

My idea is to set up a co-op where I would have interested parties tap their own tress, or I could tap there trees for them. Then I would process and bottle the syrup, then have them retail it out of their farm stands. I have a couple of thoughts on how this could work, however, I was wondering if there was an existing business plan for this type of operation. Is this a common business model, something seen occasionally, or never been heard of?

If anyone has operated in this mode before, or has some ideas on if this is a viable plan I am interested to get some input.

Sam

roundup
04-23-2016, 01:17 PM
I am no expert but in following the trends in agriculture over the last fifty years it seems like more regional sap processing plants may develop...... rather than everyone bearing the expense individually. Due to ever increasing regulations, and expense associated with processing sap, I can envision where your plan has merit. For the midlevel and larger commercial sap and syrup producers, this trend is already beginning to occur.

Good post and vision!

jeugster
05-20-2016, 09:40 PM
I really like this idea. Are you in the UP?