Canada’s maple syrup reserve has reached its lowest level in 16 years (´•̥̥̥ ᎔ •̥̥̥`)📉. The Quebec-based store of tree sap, designed to hold 133 million pounds, contained only a total of 6.9 million pounds in 2023 (╥﹏╥)🍶. This is an alarming sign for Canada’s maple syrup industry, which has faced numerous challenges in recent years (｡ŏ﹏ŏ)💔.
According to the Quebec Maple Syrup Producers (QMSP), maple syrup production has significantly decreased due to harsh weather conditions and the decline of maple forests 🌳❄️. Cold springs and dry summers have negatively impacted sap yields, while pests and climate-induced stress threaten the health of maple trees (´°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥ω°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥｀)🐛🍂.
The supply shortage has led to a surge in maple syrup prices on the market 📈💸. Wholesale prices have now increased by over 20% compared to last year, putting pressure on consumers and food businesses (＞﹏＜)🍳. Some restaurants and cafes have even had to remove maple syrup from their menus due to the rising cost of ingredients (╯︵╰,)🍽️.
To address this crisis, QMSP is calling on the Canadian government to support the maple syrup industry 🙏🍁. They propose measures such as subsidies for producers, investments in research and development, and marketing campaigns to promote maple syrup consumption (๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧📣. They also emphasize the importance of protecting and restoring maple forests to ensure a long-term supply (っ˘з(˘⌣˘ )🌿.
