Bob Tue 10/07/2008 3:54 PM
With jurisdictions like New Brunswick, Quebec, New York State, getting programs and assistance for the maple industry, good old Ontario is conspicuous by its absence. There is just no vision out there for the maple industry in Ontario.
Initiatives such as renewable energy, sap collection & production, sap processing, and marketing are languishing by the wayside. Innovative opportunities abound.
Opportunities exist for larger more efficient production units that can take advantage of new technology and alternative processing methods.

Ontario Sugar Makers

Tue 9/16/2008 9:07 AM
Dear Mr. Cassie & Allen Yager,
OMSPA Membership Committee.
No one seems to be able to respond to legitimate concerns of the Ontario Maple Industry on behalf of its producers. It appears that our OMSPA representatives are AWOL!!!

Are there any ongoing lobby efforts on our behalf? No one has answered me.

Is there life at OMSPA or are we flogging a dead horse?

Regards,
Robert Jakeman

From: Bob [mailto:bob@themaplestore.com] Sent: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 3:43 PMTo: 'Heather Kenny, OMSPA'; 'Dave Matthews'Cc: Don & Jean Giffin (donnjean@netrover.com); Don & Jean Giffin (donnjean@netrover.com)Subject: Major maple initiatives!

Dear Heather Kenny,

With a steady stream of maple initiatives coming from various sources except Ontario, a number of producers are openly wondering if OMSPA is really there for them? Is there anyone out there working on our behalf? I have yet to hear from anyone re my previous questions.

With an election going on, and opportunities abound, is OMSPA content to sit on their hands?

Is anybody really there?

Regards,
Robert Jakeman
See press releases.
http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20080906/OPINION01/309069954/Schumer+s+visit

http://www.wwnytv.net/index.php/2008/08/29/schumer-to-promote-maple-syrup-industry-in-lewis-county/


http://www.empirestatenews.net/News/20080903-4.html
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/09/02/spending-tories.html




Wed 9/10/2008 3:43 PM
Dear Heather Kenny,

With a steady stream of maple initiatives coming from various sources except Ontario, a number of producers are openly wondering if OMSPA is really there for them? Is there anyone out there working on our behalf? I have yet to hear from anyone re my previous questions.

With an election going on, and opportunities abound, is OMSPA content to sit on their hands?

Is anybody really there?

Regards,
Robert Jakeman


See press releases.
http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20080906/OPINION01/309069954/Schumer+s+visit

http://www.wwnytv.net/index.php/2008/08/29/schumer-to-promote-maple-syrup-industry-in-lewis-county/

Thu 9/4/2008 10:03 AM
Dear Dave Matthews, President OMSPA

With these initiatives from QC and NY, isn’t ON going to assure its status as the dumping ground for Maple Syrup? What is OMSPA doing to counter this trend?
Have presentations been made to any Government agencies on our behalf? Now is a great time to get included in the new Government hand outs.

Please answer me, as an Ontario Producer, we need to know if someone is doing anything on our behalf?

Best regards,
Bob Jakeman


http://www.manitobacooperator.ca/issues/ISArticle.asp?id=89050&issue=09042008&story_id=&PC=FBC

http://post-journal.com/page/content.detail/id/510617.html?nav=5004
Wed 9/3/2008 9:19 AM

Dear Dave Matthews, President OMSPA
Been looking for those Ontario initiatives. What Government presentations have been made etc? Looks like the cash is flowing to the maple industry big time. Ontario is in a great position here!

These new initiatives alone are going to change our industry & standing forever.

http://www.empirestatenews.net/News/20080903-4.html
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/09/02/spending-tories.html

Please advise?
Bob

Thu 7/24/2008 8:39 AM

Dear Dave Matthews, President OMSPA

· Thought you might be interested! Third in maple production????
· Ontario needs a shot in the arm as well! It’s interesting that Quebec expansion this year
· alone, will far exceed Ontario’s total taps.
· New York state is probably going to eclipse Ontario’s production very shortly!

· Is there any lobbying going on in Ontario to expand our industry? The timing could not be
· Better?

· Bob

· ATLANTIC WEEK Sun. Jul 20 - 7:40 AM
·
NEW BRUNSWICK Province offers help for maple syrup producers
FREDERICTON (CP) — The New Brunswick government says the province’s maple syrup producers are about to get a sweet deal.
· Natural Resources Minister Donald Arseneault has announced details of a $300,000 silviculture program to help the lagging industry.
· The province is third in the world in maple syrup production, behind Quebec and Vermont. But Yvon Poitras, general manager of the New Brunswick Maple Syrup Association, says the last two years have been the worst in 35 years. The government is offering $500 per hectare, to a maximum of $5,000 per producer, for sugar bushes that are at least five hectares and have a minimum of 150 taps per hectare.
· While Poitras is glad for the program, he says that money won’t even cover half the cost of some necessary thinning.