Canadian Maple Syrup Producers Release Extra Product in Face of High Demand

Dec 03, 2021

This winter, Canadian maple syrup producers are releasing an additional 50 millions pounds of product from their “strategic reserves” to make up a shortfall caused by higher-than-normal demand. A trade group called the Federation of Québec Maple Syrup Producers confirmed the decision, according to NPR. The organization represents more than 11,000 producers responsible for almost three-quarters of the global syrup supply, and it sets prices and controls production levels in the Canadian province. While production levels were fairly typical this year, demand has risen by more than 20 percent compared to last year, CNN reports. The reserve release may help ensure all pancake lovers get their fix this winter.

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Video: Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

Dr. Peter James Facchini leads research into the metabolic biochemistry in opium poppy at the University of Calgary. For more than 30 years, his work has contributed to the increased availability of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic genes to assist in the creation of morphine for pharmaceutical use. Dr. Facchini completed his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto before completing Postdoctoral Fellowships in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky in 1992 & Université de Montréal in 1995.