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H2O Innovation has announced a new initiative in the maple syrup industry with the establishment of the world’s first research chair dedicated to maple syrup production and sugar bush management.

This significant development aims to bolster innovation, resilience and performance in one of Quebec's most vital economic sectors.

The Chaire de recherche en acériculture et aménagement des érablières, led by Guillaume Moreau at Laval University, seeks to address pressing challenges faced by maple syrup producers, particularly those arising from climate change and weather variability.

The research chair will provide scientific insights into best practices for sugar bush management, ultimately enhancing the sustainability and productivity of this traditional industry.

H2O Innovation's involvement is marked by a five-year financial commitment and a promise to leverage its technical expertise in maple syrup production.

The company's specialised equipment will enable researchers to gather reliable and consistent data, which is crucial for evaluating various production techniques and their impacts.

Frédéric Dugré, president and CEO of H2O Innovation, said: “With our long-standing expertise in supplying specialised maple syrup production equipment across North America, we’re excited to contribute to the research and development of technologies tailored to today’s climate challenges”.

Dugré also highlighted the importance of supporting the next generation of maple syrup producers through this initiative.

H2O Innovation specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of equipment for maple syrup production. The company’s solutions, particularly its reverse osmosis technology, are not only pivotal in enhancing syrup production efficiency but also have applications in various sectors of the agri-food industry, including waste treatment processes.

The establishment of this research chair is a critical step in ensuring the longevity and success of the maple syrup industry in Quebec, which is facing increasing pressures from environmental changes.

By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, H2O Innovation and its partners, including the Producteurs et productrices acéricoles du Québec and Gestion Solifor, aim to create a robust framework for innovation that will benefit producers and consumers alike.