Scheme offers maple syrup products when consumers adopt an endangered tree

The Hartshorn Tree Adoption scheme is encouraging customers of David Hartshorn's Vermont-based small business to adopt one of its trees in return for maple syrup products.

New Zealand startup Your Pure Honey has already offered a way for consumers to receive honey for purchasing shares in beehives. Now the Hartshorn Tree Adoption scheme is encouraging customers of David Hartshorn’s Vermont-based small business to adopt one of its trees in return for maple syrup products. The initiative is being run through the website of Tonewood – the maple syrup brand and maple tree preservation campaigner – and allows people to invest in the maintenance of one of Hartshorn’s trees. The business is operated from mountainous terrain in the Mad River Valley, which gives the syrup its notable taste but is prone to avalanches in the region. A USD 120 adoption plan will cover the cost of harvesting the tree for one year, as well as support the venture’s partners and research projects. Donors will also receive a hamper of maple syrup products when they adopt. The program helps to keep Hartshorn producing its award-winning maple syrup and grow its business for the future, while consumers get products in return for their donation, as well as giving something back. Could other small businesses take advantage of consumers’ desire for unique products and to become more involved in the brands they love?