The Rural Voice, 1998-03, Page 36the state of their sugarbush through
tapping the trees, collecting and
storing the sap, boiling it down and
packaging it.
It was a delicate balance, Hazlitt
says. "We had to find something that
was user-friendly and had credibility
with consumers. We think we've
accomplished that. Any new program
needs fine-tuning. We're prepared to
make the changes needed."
In designing the program, the
committee felt flavour was the
most important goal in syrup
making. It also identified the critical
control points and designed a plan
that producers can use, Hazlitt says,
as a good foundation to build on if
they move to a HACCP (Hazard
Analysis and Critical Control Point
Program).
Producers attending one of the
nine Seal of Quality workshops
across Ontario this winter (there will
be additional workshops in the fall)
were given a workbook that gave
them information on proper
Program calls
for commitment
to action to
improve quality
operation and let them grade
themselves on how close their
operation came to the ideal. There
were minimum standards to meet to
earn the Seal of Quality, Hazliu says,
but the program doesn't expect all
problems to be solved at once. It
simply expects a commitment of
action to improve the situation.
In grading their operation,
workshop participants begin by
looking at their sugarbush: is there a
good road system, are there any
dumps or waste sites that need to be
cleaned up, are cattle allowed to
graze in the bush, how are tap holes
cleaned of sawdust or shavings (they
should be flushed, after boring with
distilled water and a turkey baster or
a squirt -gun)?
Next participants rated themselves
on adherence to the Ontario Tapping
Rule about how many taps can be put
in a tree, depending on the size. Then
it was on to questions about sap
buckets and bucket storage, about the
care and cleaning of pipeline systems
and storage tanks. For instance
32 THE RURAL VOICE
1
PURE
` MAPLE SYRUP
For A Taste
Of Spring
Visit These 18
Locations
Ontario Maple Syrup
Producers Association
puUcn's
Maple products
Syrup and Unique Maple Treats
Weekend Sugar Shack Tours
(weather permitting)
Open March & April
2 mi. east of Clinton on Hwy. #8
233-7896 or 284-2564
ALBERT & DORIS
SCHILBE
MAPLE SYRUP
Serving you for 25 years
Welcome to our Bush
- See our pipeline operation -
Visitors welcome in syrup season
Maple Syrup available year 'round
Call Now 519-482-3256
East from 21 Hwy. on County Rd. 13.
Watch for signs.
e-mail: dorbschilbe@odyssey.on.ca
(Ivan & Gail)
CRANSTON FARM
MAPLE SYRUP
Cty. Rd. 1, east of Lucknow
60 Year Family Tradition
of
Pure Maple Syrup
Visitors Welcome
Seasonal Hours
Syrup available year-round
529-7360
ilicallll's hill farm
Sugaring Time in the Country
Horse drawn sugar bush tours
Visit the baby Iambs too!
Open March & April 10-6
Closed Tuesdays
Maple Festival Mar. 21 & 22
Large groups welcome by appt.
Located 12 mile of off Hwy. 17 on Perth Line 19
• between Stratford & St Marys
519-284-2564
WINTHROP
MAPLE SYRUP
All syrup Canada #1
Various sizes in stock
Our speciality
Maple Flavoured Sausage
Visitors Welcome
Seaforth, Ont. 519-527-1049
Come and Taste the Tradition
at the
Elmira
Maple Syrup Festival
Saturday, April 4, 1998
7:30 a.m.
for more information
contact: 519-669-2605
Website: www.sentex.net/maplcsyrup