A study reports that the Quebec sugar bush not only produces maple syrup but is a generator of ecosystem goods and services that are of inestimable value.
The study was completed by Groupe AGÉCO. It identifies 12 ecosystem services emanating from Quebec's maple forests. The estimated annual monetary value is $1 billion. If the maple resources are taken into account, that value rises to at least $2.7 billion per year.
The President of the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers says the study shows that government protection of the sugar bush is justified.
