Last week, Vermont farmers and members of agricultural agencies gathered at the annual Vermont Farm Show, which took place at the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex Junction on January 28-30. The Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association (VMSMA) was among the exhibitors and held its annual meeting on the first day of the show. At the meeting, the VMSMA announced new leadership for 2014, including new two board members and two association officers.
“2013 was the best year yet for Vermont maple syrup producers, and we are looking forward to continued success in 2014 under our new leadership,” said Matthew Gordon, Executive Director of the VMSMA. “We have some experienced members joining us this year and we’re excited to begin working together.”
Long time VMSMA board member, Jacques Couture, stepped down from his position as chairperson, and in his place Sam Cutting, IV of Dakin Farm was elected as the association’s new chairperson. The VMSMA also elected Pam Green, owner of Green’s Sugarhouse in Poultney, Vt. as Vice-Chairperson. Emma Marvin of Butternut Mountain Farm in Johnson, Vt. was re-elected as Secretary, and Stephen Tetreault, owner of Tator’s Sugar Shack in St. Albans, Vt. as Treasurer.
Paul Palmer, owner of Palmer Lane Maple in Jericho, Vermont, was selected by the VMSMA’s Board of Directors to serve as the at-large member of the Executive Committee. Donna Young of Judd’s Wayeeses Farms in Morgan, Vt. and Jack Dix of Dix Family Sugar House in Whitingham, Vt. were selected as the VMSMA’s new directors.
“The VMSMA is looking forward to a new year under new leadership, and is confident that its new officers and board members will contribute greatly to the promotion and protection of Vermont’s maple brand, “said Gordon.
The Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association (VMSMA) was founded in 1893, making it one of the oldest non-governmental agricultural organizations in the United States. VMSMA is headquartered in South Royalton, Vermont, with over 900 members throughout the state. The mission of the association is to preserve the sugaring tradition in Vermont, educate consumers about maple products, and promote Vermont maple sugarhouses and products. The association is made up of Vermont maple sugar makers and maple packers who are dedicated to producing the highest quality maple syrup products. Membership is also open to non-producers through the “Friends of Vermont Maple” program.
