The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering over $9.75 million in grants to support the maple syrup industry and improve food security. These grants are available through two programs: the Acer Access and Development Program and the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program. The goal is to strengthen agricultural development, expand market opportunities, and promote sustainable food production across the country.
This funding aims to boost the domestic maple syrup industry while also increasing the availability of locally grown food in areas that struggle with food insecurity. It shows the USDA’s dedication to building stronger local food systems and encouraging new ideas in agriculture.
Acer Access and Development Program
The Acer Access and Development Program is set to receive $5 million. This program focuses on strengthening and growing the U.S. maple syrup industry. It supports projects that involve research, education, sustainable practices, and market development for maple syrup and related products.
Key Objectives of the Acer Program
The Acer program aims to achieve several goals:
- Research: Fund studies related to maple syrup production methods and improvements.
- Education: Provide training and educational resources for maple syrup producers.
- Sustainability: Encourage responsible management of the natural resources used in maple production.
- Awareness: Increase public understanding and appreciation of maple syrup products.
- Marketing: Develop better ways to market maple syrup and its byproducts.
- Expansion: Encourage landowners to increase their maple-sugaring activities.
- Access: Promote public access to land suitable for maple sugaring.
Types of Projects Supported by Acer
Projects funded by the Acer program fall into two main categories:
- Market Development and Promotion Projects: These projects focus on increasing the visibility and sales of maple syrup products.
- Producer and Landowner Education Projects: These projects aim to improve the knowledge and skills of those involved in maple syrup production and land management.
Projects funded through Acer can receive between $200,000 and $500,000. The projects can last up to 36 months. Applicants must contribute 25% of the requested federal funding as a cost share.
Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP)
The Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP) will receive $4.75 million. This program is designed to help communities that rely on imported food by improving their ability to produce food locally. It supports small-scale agriculture and community-based food security efforts.
Areas Supported by MGFSP
The MGFSP can fund various initiatives, including:
- Gardening Projects: Support for small-scale gardening efforts.
- Community Agriculture: Initiatives that involve community members in food production.
- Livestock and Herding: Support for small-scale herding and livestock operations.
- Food Security Projects: Community-driven projects focused on improving access to food.
- Local Food Systems: Efforts to develop local food production and distribution networks.
Through MGFSP, state and territorial agricultural agencies receive funds and then distribute subawards to local organizations, groups, and individuals who are working on food security projects.
Importance of This Funding
These grants address the ongoing challenges of food security and agricultural sustainability. By investing in local food production and specific industries like maple syrup, the USDA hopes to:
- Increase Resilience: Make agricultural systems more robust against disruptions.
- Support Rural Economies: Boost economic development in rural areas.
- Improve Food Access: Make fresh food more available to local communities.
- Strengthen Communities: Build more self-sufficient and connected food systems.
- Create Opportunities: Open new markets for farmers and producers.
- Drive Innovation: Encourage new approaches in agriculture.
- Promote Sustainability: Support environmentally friendly land management.
These investments are expected to provide lasting benefits for farmers, consumers, communities, and agricultural organizations.
Application Process and Deadline
Applications for both the Acer Access and Development Program and the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program must be submitted electronically through grants.gov. It is important for applicants to carefully read all eligibility requirements and application guidelines. The USDA also offers resources like webinars and FAQs to help applicants.
The deadline to submit applications for both programs is June 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications submitted after this date may not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total amount of funding the USDA is offering for these programs?
The USDA is offering over $9.75 million in grants through two programs: the Acer Access and Development Program and the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program.
What are the main goals of the Acer Access and Development Program?
This program aims to strengthen the U.S. maple syrup industry by supporting research, education, sustainable practices, and market development for maple syrup and related products.
How does the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP) help communities?
MGFSP provides funds to improve local food production in communities that rely on imported food, supporting small-scale agriculture and community-based food security efforts.
What is the deadline to apply for these USDA grants?
The deadline to submit applications for both the Acer Access and Development Program and the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program is June 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
