Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA AMS TM ACER G 18 0006
The Acer Access and Development Program is a competitive grant opportunity run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Its core purpose is to strengthen and grow the domestic maple syrup industry by funding projects that expand knowledge, improve production practices, protect the resource base that maple production depends on, and increase market demand for maple products. The program is designed to support coordinated, practical efforts that help maple producers, landowners, and the broader maple sector remain economically viable while keeping maple forests healthy and productive over the long term.
Funded projects are expected to fall into several major activity areas. One focus is research and education tied to maple syrup production, which can include applied studies, demonstrations, technical guidance, and producer training aimed at improving yields, quality, efficiency, and food safety practices. Another priority is natural resource sustainability in the maple syrup industry, meaning projects that promote responsible forest stewardship and long-term ecosystem health in sugarbush management, tapping practices, and land use planning. The program also supports market promotion for maple syrup and maple sap products, which can involve consumer education, market development strategies, promotional campaigns, and efforts to strengthen distribution or increase product visibility. A distinctive element of this program is its emphasis on access and development: it encourages owners and operators of privately held land with Acer species (maple trees) to start or expand maple-sugaring operations, or to voluntarily make their land available to others for maple-sugaring, including through leases or other access arrangements that open opportunities for public participation or producer expansion.
Eligibility is limited to governmental and research-oriented entities rather than individual businesses. Applicants may include state governments, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, and research institutions (with additional eligibility details referenced in the full announcement). In practice, this structure signals that AMS is looking for projects with broad, industry-wide benefit, often involving partnerships, statewide or regional impact, and results that can be shared across the maple community rather than benefits confined to a single private operation.
The opportunity is categorized as a discretionary grant under CFDA number 10.174. The funding opportunity number is USDA AMS TM ACER G 18 0006. For the referenced round, the announcement was created on April 24, 2018, with an original application closing date of June 8, 2018. Awards were expected to be made competitively, with up to 12 awards anticipated. The maximum award amount (award ceiling) was listed as $500,000 per award, indicating the program can support substantial projects such as multi-partner research and outreach efforts, statewide market development initiatives, or coordinated programs that expand maple-sugaring access on private lands.
Overall, this grant opportunity targets the full pipeline of maple sector development: improving and sharing production knowledge, safeguarding the natural forest resource that makes maple possible, building stronger markets for maple syrup and related products, and lowering barriers to entry or expansion by encouraging private landowners to enable more maple-sugaring activity through direct participation or access agreements. The announcement also indicates it contains the specific eligibility rules for projects and applicants, along with the required application forms and instructions needed to apply for an award.Apply for USDA AMS TM ACER G 18 0006
- The Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service in the agriculture sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Acer Access and Development Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.174.
- This funding opportunity was created on Apr 24, 2018.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 08, 2018. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $500,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 12 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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