July 2007,
Coombs Family Farms: Seventh Generation Pure Maple Syrup Manufacturer Committed to Environmental Stewardship
The Griffin Food Marketing Report

At Coombs Family Farms, pure maple is a way of life, as it has been for seven generations. Coombs Family Farms is a small family farm in Vermont that has produced 100 percent pure maple syrup since 1840. Since 1988, Coombs Family Farms has also produced certified organic maple syrup.

Coombs Family Farms also sources 100 percent pure organic certified maple from other small, independent farmers who share the Coombs commitment to quality, environmental stewardship, and sustainable forestry management. Coombs Family Farms provides much-need equipment credit, training, and resources to help other independent small farmers maintain their family farms and livelihood. That’s because Coombs Family Farms is not just committed to the future of small family farms, but also to the future of our forests and the environment.

Coombs Family Farms never uses pesticides or artificial ingredients, and it employs sustainable forestry and sugaring practices. It was one of the early adopters and proponents of health spouts.

Today, Arnold Coombs runs Coombs Family Farms and Bascom Farms. Under Mr. Coombs direction, they still work with many of the same maple trees his great-great-grandparents once tapped.

Some of the trees cared for are now more than 300 years old, and one is nearly 20 feet in circumference. As Coombs Family Farms has grown over the years, they have taken pride and satisfaction in maintaining the Coombs family’s connection with these ancient maple trees.

One hundred percent pure maple has been a way of life for Mr. Coombs, a seventh generation farmer, since the day he was born. On the way home from the hospital, his mother stopped in so newborn Arnold could meet his father, Robert Jr., who was busy sugaring during peak maple season. At the age of three, he started riding behind the tractor while his dad and granddad, Robert Sr., tapped trees.

As a shy 10-year-old, he came out of his shell giving maple tours to out-of-towners. Now, Arnold’s teaching his own boys, Max (16) and Addison (15) what was passed down to him.

That’s part of what it means to be a seventh generation maple farmer. From Thomas to Jethro, Asa, Fred, Robert Sr., Robert Jr., and now Arnold, 100 percent pure maple syrup has been a way of life for the Coombs family since 1840.

Mr. Coombs maintains that the key to longevity and sustainability at Coombs Family Farms is environmental stewardship. Arnold takes seriously his commitment to the maple industry, small independent farmers, and above all, the forest. His grandfather, Robert Sr., always said, “There are no shortcuts to creating pure maple syrup – do right by the forest and it’ll do right by you.”

As general manager of Coombs Family Farms and Bascom Farms, Mr. Coombs is still a champion for small family farms and advocate for the maple industry. Arnold currently serves as the chairman of the Vermont Maple Industry Council. He is a member and past director of the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association, and a member of the Organic Trade Association.

Mr. Coombs graduated from Champlain College with a degree in business. “There are no shortcuts to producing pure maple syrup. Maple farming is not just our livelihood, but also our way of life. I’m proud to support other small maple farmers who share the Coombs commitment to quality, environmental stewardship, and sustainable forestry. It’s not just the right thing to do – it’s what has to be done.” said Mr. Coombs.

Coombs Family Farms products include certified organic maple syrup, 100 percent pure maple syrups in various grades and sizes, pure maple candies, pure maple sugar, and pancake mixes. These can be found in natural product and health food stores, as well as selected supermarkets throughout the United States.

All Coombs Family Farms maple syrups are available in Grade A light amber, Grade A medium amber, Grade A dark amber, Grade B, and Commercial Grade maple syrup for restaurants and food companies. Major national brands, such as Ben & Jerry’s, Stonyfield, Golden Temple, and Boar’s Head, choose Coombs Family Farms commercial grade maple as a key ingredient to their delicious products.

For more information about supporting small, independent farmers, environmental stability, certified organic maple, how to tap a maple tree, how maple is graded, and Coombs Family Farms favorite maple recipes, go to www.coombsfamilyfarms.com.