Groups plan maple seminar

BURTON — The Northeast Ohio Maple Producers Committee and the Geauga OSU Extension have scheduled the 68th annual Northeast Ohio Maple Institute for Jan. 25 and 26, 2008.

The two-day maple seminar will be at Joe Miller’s Window Shop at the corner of Shedd Road and Tavern Road, state Route 168, Burton.

The purpose of the Maple Institute is to educate maple syrup producers on new technology, how to produce a quality product and how to sell it. Syrup makers from Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania are welcome to attend. The 2007 Institute attracted more than 250 people.

The Institute begins Jan. 25 with a trade show, a presentation on maple history in Geauga and Portage counties plus a new Taste of Maple Competition. Taste of Maple will demonstrate that maple syrup can be used on foods in addition to pancakes. The Friday night program is free.

Registration for Jan. 26 begins at 8 a.m. that day Registration is $20 per person. Topics scheduled to be presented include information on new technology, marketing and a round table question-and-answer session.

For more information on the 68th Northeast Ohio Maple Institute, contact Geauga OSU Extension at (440) 834-4656 or visit the Web site www.geauga.osu.edu and click on maple programs and events.

For 67 years, the Northeast Ohio Maple Institute has showcased the newest in maple technology and helped maple syrup makers on all levels improve the quality of the product. Come learn about the rich maple heritage in Northeast Ohio.