Dan,
First, let me say welcome!
Regarding the Farmer’s market…
The inspectors ran a sweep of our market last year. What they were most interested in with us is that we were labeled properly. The “Not produced in” sticker was the #1 item, and they checked every bottle for it. They also wanted to see our business name, address and phone number on each bottle. The only thing they got us on was that they wanted the size of the container marked somewhere on the container (8 oz, 12 oz, half gallon, gallon, etc.). Most of ours already did, but our 8 oz glass containers did not.
They said even hand written on a sticker would suffice.
Being new to the game, I would invite you to check out the Michigan Maple Syrup Association’s web site:
http://www.mi-maplesyrup.com/
The middle of January each year we hold a conference in the Mt. Pleasant area. This is a one day event that gets everyone caught up on the latest news, laws and trends in the business. There are breakout sessions that cover varied topics, all of which are designed to help you grow as a producer and become more profitable. Many of the State’s equipment suppliers are represented at this event and are more than willing to chew the fat on any subject you like.
The fall tour happens in the Sept/Oct time frame. This is a one or two day event where we tour a handful of sugaring operations in different parts of the State each year. Last year was up in the UP, while the year before, if memory serves, was in your area. It’s a load of fun seeing how producers large and small tackle different problems, issues, obstacles, hurdles. We treat it as a mini vacation.
Of course, kids of all ages are welcome at these events.