Maple Production and Sustainable Development

Sustainable development means that the needs of the present are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs as well. Sustainable development is based on a long-term perspective that considers the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of development to be inseparable.

There is increasing study on the major benefits and outcomes of maple production and maple products for the economy, consumer health, and Québec’s forest resource. In this section, we group identified benefits into four main categories: the environment, economic, social, and health (see infographic).

Québec Maple Syrup Producers (QMSP) has, for the past decade, invested in research and development to constantly expand our knowledge about maple production and identify market development opportunities.

Working in close collaboration with Groupe AGÉCO since 2012, QMSP has undertaken numerous initiatives involving life cycle analysis, the carbon footprint of Québec maple syrup, and the value of the ecological goods and services produced by the Québec sugar bush. More than a dozen such projects have grown our understanding of maple production’s environmental impact.

With this volume of initiatives since 2012, clearly few organizations in the sector can claim to have implemented a plan of similar magnitude. This type of leadership can serve as an engine for achieving the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals set by Québec.

 

BUILDING ON THE MAPLE INDUSTRY’S LEADERSHIP

A Global Consensus on GHG Reduction Efforts

  • Encourage GHG reduction practices among Québec maple producers
  • Consolidate maple producers’ leadership position in environmental approach and assessment (Their current practices are precedent-setting in Québec.)
  • Demonstrate how the industry is doing its part in the fight against climate change, using a strategy consistent with those of the government and international efforts (notably the SBTi initiative).
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Environment