Acer Access and Development Program

The Acer Access and Development Program, solicited under USDA-AMS-TM-ACER-G-26-0007 by the Agricultural Marketing Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, aims to strengthen the domestic maple syrup industry by supporting States, Tribal governments, and research institutions in advancing research and education on maple syrup production, promoting natural resource sustainability, expanding market opportunities for maple syrup and sap-based products, and encouraging private landowners with Acer species trees to initiate or expand maple-sugaring activities or make their land available for public access through lease or other voluntary means. Applications must align with one of two project types—Market Development and Promotion or Producer and Landowner Education—and must use the mandatory Acer Project Narrative form, which must be typed, single-spaced, in 11-point font, and not exceed fifteen pages. The program requires that applicants submit a comprehensive application package via Grants.gov by June 22, 2026, including SF-424 and SF-424A forms, signed letters of commitment from partners, signed verification of non-Federal cost sharing equal to 25% of the requested federal funds, and other required documentation. Applicants must maintain an active registration in SAM.gov with a valid Unique Entity Identifier and Taxpayer Identification Number, and must provide their organization’s street address exactly as listed in SAM.gov, with P.O. boxes not permitted. The anticipated funding available is $5 million, with awards subject to administrative and technical review by a panel of independent peer reviewers based on criteria including alignment with program goals, technical merit, expertise and partnerships, achievability, and fiscal responsibility. Projects must have a 36-month performance period running from September 30, 2026, to September 29, 2029, and must specify the Congressional district of implementation. Recipients are required to submit annual performance and financial reports using SF-425, as well as a final report and closeout documentation upon completion. Compliance with the AMS General Terms and Conditions and USDA General Terms and Conditions, updated to reflect 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance, is mandatory and includes adherence to civil rights obligations, Freedom of Information Act provisions, cost principles, and public acknowledgment requirements. Subawards are permitted but do not relieve the primary applicant of oversight and reporting responsibilities. All applicants must also prepare to attend an AMS-sponsored grant management meeting during the project period.