MONTPELIER, Vt. -- Vermont Gov. James Douglas said he's disappointed he had to eat imitation maple syrup during his recent visit to Vermont troops in Iraq and Kuwait.

A photograph of the governor eating with troops in Kuwait showed a bottle of "pancake" syrup. Douglas spokesman Jason Gibbs said the governor had to eat what was on the table.

Gibbs said Douglas was disappointed it was not real Vermont maple syrup.

"He is very proud of all of the maple producers who are contributing to the operation that we hope might, one day, eliminate fake syrup all throughout the world," Douglas' spokesman, Jason Gibbs, said.

But Vermonters are trying to do something about it. This is the second year of "Operation Maple Sweetness," which sends Vermont syrup to service members serving overseas.

Last year the project delivered 500 gallons of syrup and organizers hope to double that amount this year, said Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie, who worked on the project. Syrup donations are being taken until April 30 in order to have the syrup in the soldiers' hands by Memorial Day.

"It was really cool to get e-mails from people," Dubie said. Soldiers from Vermont and elsewhere wrote about how the syrup was a bright spot in their day, according to The Rutland Herald.

Maple Syrup producers are encouraged to donate one gallon of their best Medium Amber syrup.

Anyone wishing to help with shipping costs may send a donation to: Mary Croft , Treasurer, Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association, 491 East Barnard Road, S. Royalton, VT , 05068.