Your Business Plan

Table of Contents

1. On-farm Sales
2. Your Guide to Food Processing
3. Organic Production and Markets
4. Hobby Maple Syrup Production
5. Specialty Food Markets
6. Health and Nutrition
7. Visitors to Your Farm

As most producers are aware, there is a solid local, national and international demand for maple syrup and its associated products. However, for the commercial producer, production and market costs can be high in an industry with a very short production period that is highly dependent on weather conditions. To have a successful maple syrup business requires careful planning, good business and marketing strategies and a sound knowledge of regulatory requirements. You will find answers and solutions for many of your business issues at the links below.

Business and Marketing

Ontario Market and Business Fund

Growing Forward

Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission

Canadian Farm Business Management Council

On-Farm Sales

Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association

Selling at Farmers Markets

Diagnosing and Managing Cash Flow Problems

Your Guide to Food Processing

Your Guide to Food Processing in Ontario

Foodland - Marketing and Promotion Resources

Organic Production and Markets

Canadian Organic Growers

Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario

Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada

Le centre d'agriculture biologique du Canada

OMAFRA Organic Agriculture

Ecocert Canada Reference Standards for Organic Maple Syrup Production in Canada

Organic Certification

Organic Research

Hobby Maple Syrup Production

Backyard Maple Syrup Production

What to Know about Making Maple Syrup in the Backyard

Specialty Food Markets

Targeting for Specialty and Gourmet Food Markets

Health and Nutrition

Nutritional Value

Visitors to Your Farm

Managing Risks on Farms Open to the Public

Safety for Guests to your Farm