Acer Access and Development Program
Forecasted
Acer Access and Development Program supports states, Tribal governments, and research institutions with research, education, and marketing funding to strengthen the domestic maple syrup industry.
Funder: Department of Agriculture
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $200,000–$500,000 per project for 36 months (FY 2026 terms)
Summary: Supports research, education, sustainability, and marketing projects that strengthen the domestic maple syrup industry and expand maple-sugaring activities.
Key Information: Applicants must provide non-Federal cash or in-kind cost sharing equal to 25% of requested Federal funds.
Description
The Acer Access and Development Program is a competitive grant program administered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). It supports States, Tribal governments, and research institutions working to strengthen the domestic maple syrup industry through research and education, natural resource sustainability, and marketing of maple syrup and maple-sap products.
Projects fall into two types: Market Development and Promotion, focused on consumer knowledge and markets, and Producer and Landowner Education, focused on research, production efficiency, sustainability practices, and land access. The program also encourages owners and operators of privately held land containing trees in the genus Acer to initiate or expand maple-sugaring activities, or voluntarily offer public access through leases or other arrangements. Projects must demonstrate regional or national impact and potential to quantitatively increase maple-sugaring activities or maple syrup production.
