Key Takeaways
- H2O Innovation has joined a multi-partner effort to establish the world’s first research chair dedicated to maple syrup production and sugar bush management.
- The initiative is led by Professor Guillaume Moreau at Laval University and aims to strengthen innovation and resilience across Quebec’s maple industry.
- Funding comes from PPAQ, H2O Innovation, Gestion Solifor, and federal and provincial programs.
- H2O Innovation will contribute equipment and technical expertise to support high-quality data collection.
- The research will address longstanding agronomic and climate-related challenges facing maple producers.
New Research Chair Focuses on Maple Production and Sugar Bush Management
A global first for the maple industry
H2O Innovation Inc. has announced its participation in a newly created research chair at Laval University—the first worldwide dedicated specifically to maple syrup production and sugar bush management. The initiative, led by Professor Guillaume Moreau, will focus on strengthening the resilience, innovation capacity, and long-term performance of an industry central to Quebec’s cultural and economic identity.
The Chaire de recherche en acériculture et aménagement des érablières will address climate variability and other persistent challenges by generating scientific data and practical insights for producers.
Partnership and Funding Structure
Multi-stakeholder support
The research chair is funded by three recognized partners at Laval University:
• Producteurs et productrices acéricoles du Québec (PPAQ)
• H2O Innovation
• Gestion Solifor
Additional federal and provincial contributions further reinforce the initiative’s scope.
As part of its five-year commitment, H2O Innovation will supply technical expertise and specialized equipment to support consistent and reliable data collection—an essential component of the research program.
H2O Innovation’s Role and Industry Contribution
Leveraging decades of technical experience
“With our long-standing expertise in supplying specialized 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,” said Frédéric Dugré, President and CEO of H2O Innovation. “We are also looking forward to supporting the next generation of producers. Playing a role in this new and unique research chair is a great source of pride for us.”
H2O Innovation has long been a key manufacturer of systems used in maple syrup production, particularly reverse osmosis equipment. The company notes that this technology can also be applied in broader agri-food contexts, including the treatment of by-products from distillation.
Advancing Knowledge for a Changing Climate
Supporting a strategic agricultural sector
By combining academic research with industry expertise, Laval University and its partners aim to deliver new insights into sustainable sugar bush management and production practices. The outcomes are expected to support producers as they navigate evolving climate conditions, while helping maintain the vitality of one of Quebec’s most emblematic agricultural sectors.
