The Citadelle Maple Syrup Producers’ Cooperative has the principle aim of promoting and protecting the common interests of its members, notably by:
Uniting members along regional lines, structuring their organizations and promoting their effectiveness with a view to protecting and favouring to the greatest extent possible their cooperative and socio-economic interests;
Encouraging professional training and cooperative education among members;
Providing its members with the means, services of a professional nature and expertise used in the conditioning and commercialization of maple, honey or cranberry products on the national and international stage.
In addition, Citadelle is:
An association, open to all, founded on the principle of voluntary membership;
Members collectively assume their responsibilities as entrepreneurs;
Co-owner/members are also the users;
A business whose ultimate goal is to optimize the many benefits members are entitled to as entrepreneurs, users and members of a community;
A business whose rules guarantee members equal standing in the exercise of their powers as well as fairness in the division of their contributions and the sharing of results;
A business that ensures the democratic powers of its members;
A business that favours inter-cooperation to develop its interests and contribute to the flourishing of its community;
A business active in the maple, honey and cranberry producing industries;
A business that makes education one of its essential functioning mechanisms, notably through the sharing of knowledge and information.
SERVICES
Here is a list of services the Cooperative provides for its members:
Fire and theft insurance (syrup);
Galvanized and stainless steel barrels and folding wood crates;
Delivery and pick-up of barrels and folding wood crates;
Verification and adjustment of instruments (hydrotherm, refractometer, thermometer);
Syrup sample verification;
Cooperative training for new members;
Training for members and representatives;
Technical support by way of visits to producer’s operations and by written or telephone communications;
Verification of HACCP norms;
Cooperative education;
Regional network of representatives;
Information tour by representatives;
Meetings with members;
Meetings with the network of depot agents and cleaning facilities;
Members meetings;
Publishing of the “Le coopérateur CITADELLE” and “Supplément technique” newsletters, memory aids and letters of commitment;
Subscription to the “Le Coopérateur agricole” magazine;