MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Would fancy grade maple syrup by any other name taste as sweet?
Vermont lawmakers are wrestling with that question as they consider whether to drop the state's traditional maple syrup-labeling system in favor of an international one.
The change pits tradition versus a desire to be a bigger player in world markets. Vermont is the No. 1 maple syrup producer in the U.S.
Gone would be labels such as fancy, grade A medium amber and grade B. In their place would be several types sharing a grade A label, with descriptive phrases added.
The changes could be made unilaterally by the state Agency of Agriculture, but it has asked for backing in the form of a legislative resolution.
The state Senate last week passed the measure and sent it to the House.
