Section 892-A - [See Note] Official grade standards for maple syrup1.Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Brix" means the scale used to measure the specific gravity of maple syrup. [1991, c. 326, §2(NEW).]B. "Damage" means any defect that affects the color, appearance, flavor, aroma, edibility or shipping quality of maple syrup. [1991, c. 326, §2(NEW).]C. "Light transmission" means the ability of maple syrup to transmit light as determined optically by means of a spectrophotometer. [1991, c. 326, §2(NEW).]D. "Maple syrup," which may also be spelled "maple sirop" or "maple sirup," means the liquid derived by concentration and heat treatment of the sap of maple trees, (Acer) or by the solution in water of maple sugar or maple concentrate made from such sap. The solids content of maple syrup may not be less than 66% by weight or more than 68.9% by weight, as measured in Brix units at a temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit. [2013, c. 117, §1(AMD); 2013, c. 117, §3(AFF).]E. The symbol "%Tc" means the percentage of light transmission through maple syrup, measurable by a spectrophotometer using matched square optical cells having a 10-millimeter light path at a wavelength of 560 nanometers, the color values being expressed in percent of light transmission as compared to A.R. Glycerol fixed at 100% transmission. [1991, c. 326, §2(NEW).] [2007, c. 24, §1(AMD); 2013, c. 117, §1(AMD); 2013, c. 117, §3(AFF).]
2.Maple syrup grades. The following grades are established as the official maple syrup grade standards for the State. A. [2013, c. 117, §2(RP); 2013, c. 117, §3(AFF).]B. [2013, c. 117, §2(RP); 2013, c. 117, §3(AFF).]C. [2013, c. 117, §2(RP); 2013, c. 117, §3(AFF).]D. [2013, c. 117, §2(RP); 2013, c. 117, §3(AFF).]E. [2013, c. 117, §2(RP); 2013, c. 117, §3(AFF).]F. [2013, c. 117, §2(RP); 2013, c. 117, §3(AFF).]G. "Grade A Golden" means pure maple syrup that is free of any material other than pure, clear liquid maple syrup in sanitary condition; has a color for light transmittance of not less than 75%Tc; has a delicate taste; and has a light to more pronounced golden color. Grade A Golden maple syrup must be free of sugar crystals and may not be damaged in any way. [2013, c. 117, §2(NEW); 2013, c. 117, §3(AFF).]H. "Grade A Amber" means pure maple syrup that is free of any material other than pure, clear liquid maple syrup in sanitary condition; has a color for light transmittance of less than 75%Tc but not less than 50%Tc; has a rich or full-bodied taste; and has a light amber color. Grade A Amber maple syrup must be free of sugar crystals and may not be damaged in any way. [2013, c. 117, §2(NEW); 2013, c. 117, §3(AFF).]I. "Grade A Dark" means pure maple syrup that is free of any material other than pure, clear liquid maple syrup in sanitary condition; has a color for light transmittance of less than 50%Tc but not less than 25%Tc; has a more robust or stronger taste than maple syrup in lighter color classes; and has a dark color. Grade A Dark maple syrup must be free of sugar crystals and may not be damaged in any way. [2013, c. 117, §2(NEW); 2013, c. 117, §3(AFF).]J. "Grade A Very Dark" means pure maple syrup that is free of any material other than pure, clear liquid maple syrup in sanitary condition; has a color for light transmittance of less than 25%Tc; has a very strong taste; and has a very dark color. Grade A Very Dark maple syrup must be free of sugar crystals and may not be damaged in any way. [2013, c. 117, §2(NEW); 2013, c. 117, §3(AFF).]K. "Processing Grade" means any maple syrup that does not qualify for Grade A labeling, including off-flavored maple syrup. Processing Grade maple syrup may not be sold in retail markets and must be packed in 5-gallon or larger containers. [2013, c. 117, §2(NEW); 2013, c. 117, §3(AFF).] [2013, c. 117, §2(AMD); 2013, c. 117, §3(AFF).]
Amended by 2013, c. 117,§ 2, eff. only if: 1. The Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry receives written notification from the United States Department of Agriculture that the department has adopted the international grading system for maple syrup set out in this Act; 2. The Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry receives written notification from the International Maple Syrup Institute that the federal government of Canada has adopted the international grading system for maple syrup set out in this Act and the institute provides to the commissioner official documents from the Canadian federal government verifying this action; and 3. The Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry notifies the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Senate, the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Revisor of Statutes that written notice of the adoption of the international grading system for maple syrup set out in this Act has been received from both the United States Department of Agriculture and the International Maple Syrup Institute..Amended by 2013, c. 117,§ 1, eff. only if: 1. The Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry receives written notification from the United States Department of Agriculture that the department has adopted the international grading system for maple syrup set out in this Act; 2. The Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry receives written notification from the International Maple Syrup Institute that the federal government of Canada has adopted the international grading system for maple syrup set out in this Act and the institute provides to the commissioner official documents from the Canadian federal government verifying this action; and 3. The Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry notifies the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Senate, the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Revisor of Statutes that written notice of the adoption of the international grading system for maple syrup set out in this Act has been received from both the United States Department of Agriculture and the International Maple Syrup Institute..1991, c. 326, § 2 (NEW) . 2007, c. 24, § 1 (AMD) .This section is set out twice. See also § -892-A, effective until 10/9/2013 only if: 1. The Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry receives written notification from the United States Department of Agriculture that the department has adopted the international grading system for maple syrup set out in this Act; 2. The Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry receives written notification from the International Maple Syrup Institute that the federal government of Canada has adopted the international grading system for maple syrup set out in this Act and the institute provides to the commissioner official documents from the Canadian federal government verifying this action; and 3. The Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry notifies the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Senate, the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Revisor of Statutes that written notice of the adoption of the international grading system for maple syrup set out in this Act has been received from both the United States Department of Agriculture and the International Maple Syrup Institute..