Acer Access and Development Program

The Acer Access and Development Program is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture through its Agricultural Marketing Service. This federal grant program is designed to support the growth and sustainability of the domestic maple syrup industry. The program is authorized under federal law and provides competitive funding to strengthen research, education, and market development efforts related to maple syrup and maple sap products. By focusing on industry expansion and sustainability, the program aims to encourage increased maple-sugaring activity across the United States. The primary purpose of the program is to fund projects that promote research and education in maple syrup production, support natural resource sustainability, enhance market promotion efforts, and encourage landowners to initiate or expand maple-sugaring activities. The program also seeks to improve access to privately held land for maple-sugaring operations through voluntary agreements. Projects must demonstrate a regional or national impact and align with one of two project types: Market Development and Promotion or Producer and Landowner Education. Funding is made available through competitive awards, with approximately five million dollars allocated for the funding cycle. Individual awards range from two hundred thousand dollars to five hundred thousand dollars depending on the project type, with both project categories requiring a thirty-six month performance period. Funds may be used for allowable project costs such as education campaigns, research initiatives, and marketing activities, but cannot be used for construction, land purchases, or direct agricultural production expenses. All funded activities must benefit a broader community rather than a single entity. A mandatory cost sharing requirement applies to all applicants. Recipients must provide non-federal matching contributions equal to twenty-five percent of the federal funds requested. This match can be in the form of cash or in-kind contributions, but must be secured and documented at the time of award. Applicants must submit verification letters for each cost share contribution, and these commitments become binding once the award is issued. Eligibility for the program is limited to state governments, tribal governments, and research institutions located within the United States and its territories. Research institutions may include universities, federally funded research centers, and other organizations engaged in research activities. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with partners from public or private sectors, including nonprofit organizations and industry stakeholders, to strengthen project impact and demonstrate community engagement. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and require several mandatory components, including a completed federal assistance form, budget documentation, a detailed project narrative, and letters verifying cost share and partner commitments. The project narrative must follow a strict format and address objectives, activities, outcomes, and budget justification. Applications are evaluated through a multi-stage review process that includes initial screening, technical peer review, and administrative review based on merit, feasibility, and alignment with program goals. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is July 7, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Awards are expected to begin around late September 2026, with project completion anticipated by September 2029. Applicants may contact program staff via email for technical assistance during the application process. The program is offered on a recurring basis, reflecting ongoing federal support for the maple syrup industry and its long-term development.

Ensure cost share documentation is complete and verified; align project clearly with one project type; demonstrate measurable outcomes and strong partnerships; follow narrative formatting strictly; submit early to avoid technical issues