Maple syrup producers want to boost prices

About sixty maple syrup producers want to keep the blond gold at their cabin in order to create a shortage on the reserve and drive up the prices paid by the companies. A strategy denounced by the ex-dragon, François Lambert, and which worries the Ministry of Agriculture.

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“The Minister is concerned about this idea, despite the fact that it is a small-scale movement,” confirms Alexandra Houde, press secretary to the Minister of Agriculture, André Lamontagne, in an email.

“Consumers should not suffer more consequences in the context of the rise in food,” she continues, adding that the government is in contact with the person responsible for this movement.

This strategy is also denounced by the businessman François Lambert. He uses the syrup for his production of, among other things, maple sugar, maple butter, popcorn, mini-meringues and cotton candy.

Mr. Lambert says he buys 20 barrels of syrup a week. He deplores the fact that some seek to create a “false shortage” to drive up prices.

“When it’s organized by the government, it’s called a quota. When people organize together, it’s called a cartel,” he says.

Premiums

For the past two months, Justin Roy has been a director of the Groupement Acéricole Maple Association (GAMA), which seeks to ensure that producers get more for their syrup. His family and relatives are in the area.

The group’s objective is to bring together as many producers as possible and to cut off part of this year’s supply from the strategic reserve of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers (PPAQ).

At 1^er last March, the reserve had nearly 35 million pounds. In 2021, we were talking about 105 million. This figure has dropped due to increased exports and growing demand.

This shortage of syrup could force companies to pay premiums for the purchase of blond gold at auction if the reserve can no longer meet demand. This spring, premiums of 28 cents per pound have already been paid by companies to secure their supply.

Not illegal

“The reserve is low and that leads to this possibility,” replies Mr. Roy, specifying that this money would make it possible to absorb the cost increases linked to production and labour. “It’s a bit to send the message that our costs have increased,” he continues.

GAMA wishes to hold its online sales around the “1^er may, 1^er June and September 15. Management is aiming for “$4 a pound” of syrup. The prices charged by the PPAQ are $2.20 to $3 per pound, depending on the category.

According to PPAQ, this offensive is not illegal and it could be short-lived if the reserve manages to refuel this year.