These two research projects were made possible thanks to funding given by the Conseil pour le d?İveloppement de l'agriculture du Qu?İbec (CDAQ). CDAQ is financed by Agriculture and AgriFood Canada. The study have also been funded by Agriculture and AgriFood Canada' support programs for science and innovation which are aimed at encouraging collaboration between the agricultural and industrial sectors, the government and universities so that new opportunities for strategic innovation are identified more quickly.
According to Marie Breton, dietician and author, "Maple products are more than simple sweeteners. Rich as they are in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other beneficial compounds, they can also be part of a healthy diet, especially as a replacement for sugar, brown sugar, honey and corn syrup. Adding syrup or maple sugar to your cooking can really help you to eat certain nutritious foods more often and others which are sometimes avoided, such as vegetables, fruit and fish."
Maple syrup is more than just an emblem, it is a product to be proud of and is part of the culture for people here. Unique and unrivalled, it is exported to more than 49 countries around the world. Naturally, this message has to be sent out to a market as important as the United States. As Serge Beaulieu, President of the FPAQ and member of the Canadian Maple Advisory Committee, explains, "As this news comes out maple products are right now part of an important public relations campaign in the US with maple syrup taking centre stage." In fact, a giant billboard in Times Square proudly displays Dr Seeram's recent findings and encourages everyone to choose maple syrup.
Source: FEDERATION DES PRODUCTEURS ACERICOLES DU QUEBEC