MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear producers, delegates and partners,

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I'd like to extend a warm welcome to all at your maple syrup association's 21st convention.

Because our annual gathering is also a time to take stock of the year just ended, it's safe to say that 2023 has been a roller-coaster ride. First of all, last spring's harvest failed to live up to expectations, rivalling that of 2018 in terms of mediocrity. That's the nature of our industry, with its good and bad seasons, and we have to look at things in the long term. The fact remains that a year like this has major financial repercussions for our companies. Fortunately, the Association has obtained a one-year stay of repayment for participants in the Advance Payment Program (APP). It doesn't make up for the shortfall, but it does offer a reprieve, while hoping that the 2024 season will quickly make us forget the previous one.

Speaking of the long term, we have finally seen the culmination of several years of waiting, after many representations and demands, to obtain new allocations on Crown land. The 5,000 hectares obtained are certainly an important gain and a step in the right direction. But many producers, and others who aspire to become producers, were quickly disillusioned when they learned of certain conditions imposed, including, among others, the famous new protected zones established in the potential areas identified for development or expansion. All our efforts to engage in a real dialogue with the province on this subject, in an attempt to obtain a minimum of flexibility, have so far failed. I can only conclude two things. One; our association and our industry are not recognized as privileged interlocutors, listened to and respected, by government authorities. And two, there is no real vision for the future and development of the maple syrup industry in New Brunswick.

There are, of course, programs and initiatives that help our development, and we're grateful for them. But this is not a vision. It's not a concerted effort on the part of all government departments and stakeholders to develop a prosperous New Brunswick maple syrup industry that stands out for its approach and the quality of its products, locally, nationally and internationally. We certainly have a few allies, in government departments and among politicians, who believe in us and want to see our industry prosper and take its rightful place. But this attitude needs to be generalized and embraced by all. I repeat: we need a clear vision for the development of our industry and consistent public policies. Unfortunately, this is not the case at present.

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Having said that, the Board of Directors and staff members, starting with our Executive Director, have not been idle this year. As well as continuing with our regular activities, we've been thinking about and working on ways to strengthen our association's operations and increase our membership. You'll hear all about it this weekend, and you'll also be asked to vote on proposals to this effect at our Annual General Meeting on Sunday.  Proposals which you will receive in advance with your invitation to the convention.

I want to thank you for your commitment to your association and for being here this weekend. I hope you have the chance to make some pleasant acquaintances, and I wish us all excellent deliberations.

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Frédérick Dion

President, NBMSA