This bill keeps funding a federal program that supports the maple syrup industry through 2028. The program, currently called Acer, will be renamed the Maple Research and Market Promotion Program. Here's what it does: it gives grants to researchers and educators to improve maple syrup production methods, help the industry operate more sustainably, and promote maple syrup products to consumers. The program also offers grants to private landowners who own maple trees (trees in the Acer genus) to help them start or grow their maple sugaring operations. Landowners can also receive grants if they're willing to open their land to the public for maple sugaring activities.

In practical terms, if you're a maple syrup producer or own land with maple trees, this bill means federal funding will continue to be available to help you improve your operation, learn new techniques, or expand your business. It also supports the broader maple syrup industry by funding marketing efforts to help sell more maple products and research to make production more efficient and environmentally responsible.

MAPLE SYRUP Act

Murphy, Christopher

Market Access, Promotion, and Landowner Education Support for Your Regionally Underserved Producers Act or the MAPLE SYRUP Act This bill reauthorizes the Acer Access and Development Program (Acer) at the Department of Agriculture through FY2028. The bill also changes the name of Acer to the Maple Research and Market Promotion Program. The Acer competitive grant program 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 provides grants to encourage owners and operators of privately held land containing species of trees in the genus Acer to initiate or expand maple sugaring activities, or to voluntarily make the land publicly accessible for maple sugaring activities.