Representing the Maple Industry: NAMSC and IMSI

The annual meeting of the International Maple Syrup Institute (IMSI) was held in October in St. Cloud, Minnesota in conjunction with the annual meeting of the North American Maple Syrup Council (NAMSC). These two organizations have much in common, but serve different purposes. I'm often asked to explain the differences between the two organizations -even to maple veterans at the meetings themselves! It can be somewhat confusing, so I thought I'd briefly explain the membership and function of each group.

NAMSC is made up of producer organizations from each state and province in the maple production region. The Council consists of one voting delegate from each of its member groups. Its focus is on promoting the maple industry and providing education and research for maple producers. It is focused on the maple syrup producer. This organization meets just once a year at its annual meeting in October. This group publishes the Maple Digest quarterly and funds maple research through the NAMSC Research Fund (funded with voluntary contributions of $.01 per container purchased.)

The IMSI was organized to protect and promote pure maple syrup. At the time it was formed, the maple world was facing new challenges with large carryovers of syrup from year to year and erratic producer prices. The IMSI was formed to deal with these new challenges and, for the first time, an organization was formed that represented every facet of the maple industry, from producer to consumer. Rather than focusing solely on the needs of the producer, this group incorporates all the maple world -producer, equipment manufacturer, packer, researcher, educator and government official- to foster cooperation in the industry. Like all organizations, its goals and projects have varied with the needs of the times, but it has remained focused on protecting the purity and encouraging the use of pure maple syrup.

The IMSI is run by a board representing all aspects of the industry and meets quarterly. A general membership meeting is held annually and is set to coordinate with the NAMSC annual meeting, as many of the members overlap.

Much like our MMSA annual meeting, the NAMSC and IMSI annual meetings are held to conduct the business of the organizations, but also incorporate educational sessions, vendor displays and time for socializing. The hosting state usually incorporates a maple tour into the meeting schedule and they often include other interesting stops. The tour bus Greg and I were on this year included stops at three sugar bushes plus fascinating tours at a kitchen cabinet door manufacturer (making 10,000 cabinet doors a day!) and a granite quarry-all excellent stops that gave us a taste of the state and its people.

The meetings are hosted by a different state or province each year, which takes us to many beautiful locations around the northeast U.S. and eastern Canada. The meetings are interesting, educational and fun! Consider being apart of these meetings in future years. October 2002 will find us in New Hampshire (we've been warned that huge outlet malls are within walking distance of the meeting hotel, so watch your pocket books!). The following year's meeting will be held in Nova Scotia.

As an MMSA member, you are represented in both of these international groups. MMSA pays dues on your behalf to both organizations and has representation on both boards. MMSA President Larry Haigh currently serves as the Michigan delegate to the NAMSC. I represent Michigan on the IMSI board and am currently serving as President. I believe it's important for Michigan to remain involved in these larger organizations: it offers us wider access to education and research efforts; it keeps us informed about challenges and opportunities in the industry; and it sends a message about the strength of the maple industry in Michigan. Thanks for allowing me to be one of the connecting links.

Mary Douglass