Acer Access and Development Program | USDA AMS TM ACER G 26 0007

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Acer Access and Development Program?

The Acer Access and Development Program is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). It is designed to strengthen and expand the domestic maple syrup industry by supporting projects that improve maple syrup production and support the broader maple economy, from forest stewardship to consumer markets.

What is the main purpose of this grant opportunity?

The program is intended to move the U.S. maple syrup industry forward by funding work such as research, producer education and outreach, sustainable management of maple resources, and efforts that increase demand for maple syrup and maple-sap products.

Which federal agency is offering the grant?

The grant is offered by USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).

Is this a discretionary or formula grant program?

This is a discretionary grant opportunity.

What kinds of projects does the program fund?

Based on the description provided, the program supports projects in four main areas: (1) research and education tied directly to maple syrup production, (2) natural resource sustainability within the maple syrup industry, (3) market promotion for maple syrup and maple-sap products, and (4) expanding access to maple-sugaring opportunities on privately held lands where maple species (genus Acer) are present.

What does "research and education tied directly to maple syrup production" mean in practice?

The opportunity highlights applied research and education that improves real-world production outcomes. Examples mentioned include research or training related to tapping methods, sap collection efficiency, processing practices, product quality, and producer training and outreach.

Does the program support sustainability and forest stewardship work?

Yes. The program emphasizes natural resource sustainability within the maple syrup industry and signals support for efforts that maintain healthy maple forests and protect long-term sap-producing capacity.

What types of sustainability topics are included?

The description specifically points to forest health, best practices for tapping and stand management, and climate and resilience considerations, as well as other approaches that keep maple resources productive over time.

Can the grant be used for market promotion and consumer-facing work?

Yes. The program explicitly supports market promotion for maple syrup and maple-sap products, including efforts to expand markets, strengthen marketing channels, educate consumers, and improve visibility and competitiveness of U.S.-produced maple products.

What kinds of marketing or market development activities are contemplated?

The description mentions promotional campaigns, market development strategies, and other initiatives intended to increase sales and broaden awareness of maple syrup and related products.

What is meant by "expanding access to maple-sugaring opportunities on privately held lands"?

This goal focuses on increasing maple-sugaring activity on private land where maple species are present. The program encourages landowners and operators to start or grow maple-sugaring on their own land or voluntarily make their land available for maple-sugaring by others.

Does the program support leasing or agreements that enable others to sugar on private land?

Yes. The opportunity specifically notes access by others through leases or similar agreements and describes this as a way to increase participation and reduce land-access barriers.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include State governments, federally recognized Tribal governments, research institutions, and local government entities such as counties, cities or townships, and special district governments. Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education are also eligible.

Are colleges and universities eligible?

Yes. Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education are listed as eligible, and the program's definition of research institutions also includes colleges and universities.

What does the program mean by "research institutions"?

For this program, research institutions are described as organizations that routinely conduct research using non-federal and federal funds. Examples provided include colleges and universities, federally funded research and development centers, national user facilities, industrial laboratories, and other research institutes.

Are local governments eligible to apply?

Yes. The eligibility description includes local government entities such as counties, cities or townships, and special district governments.

Where is the program available geographically?

The geographic scope includes all 50 U.S. States and several U.S. territories and affiliated jurisdictions: American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

What is the application deadline?

The application closing date is July 7, 2026.

How many awards does USDA expect to make?

The opportunity anticipates approximately 10 awards.

What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling is $500,000 per award.

Is this a competitive grant program?

Yes. The awards are expected to be competitive.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this program?

The Funding Opportunity Number is USDA AMS TM ACER G 26 0007.

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 10.174.

What funding category does this opportunity fall under?

The opportunity is in the agriculture funding category.

When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on May 22, 2026.

How does this grant relate to the broader maple economy?

The program description frames the maple economy broadly, noting support from forest stewardship and sustainable resource management through production improvements and education, and extending to market promotion and consumer markets for maple syrup and maple-sap products.

What types of maple-related products are included besides maple syrup?

The opportunity explicitly references maple-sap products in addition to maple syrup, particularly in the market promotion portion of the purpose statement.

Does the program focus only on production, or also on expanding participation in maple sugaring?

It addresses both. In addition to production-focused research and education, the program includes a distinct goal of expanding access to maple-sugaring opportunities, especially by enabling new or expanded operations on private lands and reducing barriers to land access.

What kinds of outcomes is the program trying to achieve?

As described, the program aims to improve production practices and product quality, educate and support producers, sustain healthy maple forests and long-term sap capacity, expand and strengthen markets for U.S. maple products, and increase participation in maple production by improving access to suitable private lands.