The Vermont Maple Sugar Makers' Association has announced its annual awards for contributions to and achievements in the Vermont maple sugar industry.
Recipients for 2024 are the family that owns and operates Stewart Maple, the Outstanding Sugar Maker Award; food safety advocate Jason Gagne (pictured), the Vermont Maple Person of the Year Award; and the late Robert "Ted" Young, the Sumner Williams Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Stewarts — Mark, Gina, Elliott, Tanner, Alyssa and their extended family — were recognized for "combining strong family values, innovative strategies and a dedication to promoting Vermont maple syrup through education and outreach," the association said in a release. Elliott and Tanner were singled out as "inspiring examples for the younger generation of sugar makers."
Gagne, vice chair and Franklin County director of the VMSMA Board of Directors, has been a "cornerstone" of the organization's Sugarhouse Certification Program, dedicating countless hours to promoting food safety education and certification of sugaring operations at Maple schools and conferences. His efforts have been instrumental in advancing industry standards and ensuring quality across Vermont’s maple community.
Young, who died in February 2024, was a "cherished friend to Vermont maple," the association said. Over the years, he was a tireless advocate for the industry, actively contributing to both his local organization, the Orleans County Maple Producers Association, and the VMSMA. Known for his willingness to share his knowledge, Young openly explained the techniques behind his award-winning maple cream, embodying the spirit of collaboration and community that defines the maple industry.