Acer Access and Development Program

Program Updates

The FY 2026 grant application period is open. Applications will be accepted until July 7, 2026. Applications received after the due date will be subject to the Late, Non-Responsive, and Incomplete Application Policy (pdf). For any questions related to Acer, contact SAGPgrants@usda.gov.

• [2026 Acer Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) (pdf)] The NOFO is a primary resource for information about the Acer Access and Development Program. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review it carefully and follow its guidance.
• [How to Apply]

Program Purpose

The Acer Access and Development Program (Acer) is a competitive grant program that promotes the domestic maple syrup industry through activities associated with research and education related to maple syrup production, natural resource sustainability in the maple syrup industry, and the marketing of maple syrup and maple-sap products. Acer also incentivizes owners and operators of privately held land containing species of trees in the genus Acer to initiate or expand maple-sugaring activities on the land or to voluntarily make the land available, including by lease or other means, for access by the public for maple-sugaring activities.

Project Types

This program supports two project types: Market Development and Promotion and Producer and Landowner Education. The funding for each project type ranges from $200,000 to $500,000.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include states, tribal governments, and research institutions. All eligible applicants must be located within the 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Cost Sharing

The program requires cost share contributions in an amount equal to 25 percent of the total Federal portion of the grant.

Funded projects

For more information, go to the Acer Awarded Grants webpage.

Additional Information

• AMS will be hosting webinars for applicants. For dates and registration instructions, [visit our webinars page].