Media Release Ontario Syrup Makers focus on Health and Nutritional Benefits of Maple The Ontario Maple Syrup

Producers Association (OMSPA) Annual Meeting, Conference and Summer Tour will run from July 12th through July 14th, 2012 at Hidden Valley Resort in Huntsville. The theme of the conference is Tapping into Healthy Markets and will feature many topics with a focus on the work of two prominent researchers. Dr. Navindra Seeram is a researcher from the Bioactive Botanical Research Lab at the University of Rhode Island who investigates medicinal plants and foods for phytopharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Dr.Seeram will be presenting on Friday morning on the research teams identification of 54 known and new natural products and compounds from maple syrup. The compounds discovered are relevant to the management of type-2 diabetes, and have shown to have the ability to inhibit human cancer growth in laboratory assays. Also presenting is Dr. Yves Desjardins who is a researcher from the Center of Horticultural Research and Nutraceutical and Functional Foods Institute at the University of Laval. Dr. Desjardins and his team have revealed that both maple syrup and sap contain substantial quantities of abscisic acid, a phytohormone known to stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas. We are thrilled to have two such prominent scientists presenting at our annual conference said Bill Hubbert, chair of the OMSPA annual Summer Tour. It demonstrates that maple syrup as a sweetener or food additive in cooking, is an excellent source of natural nutrients, something our industry has believed for some time, he continued.

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Ray Bonenberg, President of the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association, has been working with a group of producers from various Provinces and States to publish educational material for maple consumers based on the research that has been done. Having Dr. Seeram and Dr. Desjardins speak at this conference is the result of the excellent work the Algonquin local of our association has done, Bonenberg added, The delegates at the conference are getting exposed to the top scientists on maple nutrition in the field. This is a unique opportunity. The inclusion of these leading speakers is made possible by the generous support of Muskoka Futures and the Agricultural Management Institute. The technical presentations will be at the Hidden Valley resort Friday July 13, 2012. More Information: Bill Hubbert (705) 384 7847 bhubbert@vianet.ca Ray Bonenberg (613) 735 2366 maplesidesugarbush@gmail.com

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