LYNDONVILLE, VT – VMSMA and UVM Extension invite sugarmakers to register now for the 2026 Vermont Maple Conference, November 6-8 at Vermont State University-Randolph.

Vermont’s conference is a time of learning, connection, and practical education for Vermont’s entire maple community, from beginners to experts, and including foresters. 

University of Vermont (UVM) Extension and the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers' Association (VMSMA) will host this year’s conference with the help of conference sponsors including Farm Credit East, Lapierre USA, CDL USA, H2O Innovation, Dominion & Grimm, Burch Bottle & Packaging, Butternut Mountain Farm, and Vermont Economic Development Authority. 

For details and to register, visit https://bit.ly/2026vermontmaple.

Maple Quality School, Friday, 11/6: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., limited to 25 attendees, $75 (includes lunch and quality kit). Featuring Mark Isselhardt from UVM Extension and Jason Lilley from UMaine Extension. This hands-on, in-depth session will cover the science behind great and off-flavored syrup, the best measurement tools and how to use them, and will offer plenty of hands-on activities to refine your skills. A “must attend” for new and experienced producers! 

Full Day Conference, Saturday, 11/7: 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., $40 (or $20 for students), includes lunch, tradeshow, all in-person sessions. Join us for a day of education, guest speakers, and plenty of time to network. Saturday’s sessions will be recorded for registrants’ future enjoyment and learning. Remember to bring up to four syrup samples for UVM Extension's Maple Syrup Quality Testing Lab (a free service)!

Sugarhouse Bus Tour, Sunday, 11/8: 8:30 a.m. - 3:45 p.m., limited to 50 attendees, $50 (includes morning coffee/pastries and lunch). Join us to visit four sugarhouses in Windsor County with operations large and small - from Bird Friendly, to using solar, Organic Certified, to offering on farm stays. We’ll have great conversations at each stop and be back in plenty of time for dinner. 

A table with old-fashioned maple syrup jugs with letters A through F labeled on them, and small plastic cups with different colored syrups in front of them.
A maple syrup tasting session from a past Vermont Maple Conference. Attendees are encouraged to bring maple syrup samples to this year's conference to submit to the Maple Syrup Quality Testing Lab at UVM Extension. Photo by Mark Isselhardt, UVM Extension.

UVM Extension helps individuals and communities put research-based knowledge to work. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture. University of Vermont Extension, Burlington, Vermont. University of Vermont Extension, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating, offer education and employment to everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status. Individuals requesting a disability-related accommodation to participate in this program should contact VMSMA’s Membership Manager, Cara Gauthier, at 802-227-2627 by October 31, 2026. 

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The Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association (VMSMA), founded in 1893, is one of the oldest agricultural organizations in the United States and represents over 750 members. The VMSMA helps to promote and protect the branding of pure Vermont maple products and to serve as the official voice for Vermont sugar makers. Our members take great pride in maintaining a prosperous maple industry and a working landscape that future generations will enjoy. Vermont sugar makers produce over 2 million gallons of maple syrup annually (about one half of the production in the United States). More information at www.VermontMaple.org. 

Contact

Allison Hope, Executive Director
VMSMA
802-222-6132
allison@vermontmaple.org

Mark Isselhardt, Maple Specialist 
University of Vermont Extension
802-899-9926 
mark.isselhardt@uvm.edu