MAPLE SYRUP Act Market Access, Promotion, and Landowner Education Support for Your Regionally Underserved Producers Act
Impact
The MAPLE SYRUP Act is set to significantly impact state laws by increasing funding for research and market promotion to $30 million annually for fiscal years 2024 through 2028. This increased investment aims to bolster the competitive edge of domestically produced maple syrup, promoting sustainability and enhancing farming practices. By ensuring better access to resources and training for producers, the bill supports local agricultural economies and addresses the needs of regionally underserved producers in the maple syrup sector.
Summary
SB1846, also known as the Market Access, Promotion, and Landowner Education Support for Your Regionally Underserved Producers Act or the MAPLE SYRUP Act, is legislation aimed at enhancing support for the maple syrup industry in the United States. The bill proposes to reauthorize and rename the existing Acer Access and Development Program under the Agricultural Act of 2014, transforming it into the Maple Research and Market Promotion Program. Notably, this shift focuses on fortifying the market presence and research capabilities related to maple syrup production, which is integral to local economies, particularly in regions where maple trees are abundant.
Contention
While the bill is largely aimed at supporting a specific agricultural sector, there may be concerns regarding how this funding is allocated and whether it might overshadow or compete with funding for other agricultural initiatives. Some stakeholders may argue that while promoting maple syrup is beneficial, it could divert necessary resources away from broader agricultural support programs that serve a wider variety of crops and producers. It remains critical for policymakers to balance these interests to ensure comprehensive support across the agricultural landscape.
Supporting All Producers Act or the SAP Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to solicit input from maple industry stakeholders with respect to the research and education priorities of the maple industry for the Acer Access and Development Program (Acer). Specifically, the bill amends Acer to require USDA to consider the information provided through consultation with the maple industry when making program grants.The bill also extends the program's authorization through FY2030.As background, Acer provides competitive grants to states, tribal governments, and research institutions to support their efforts to promote the domestic maple syrup industry through activities associated with, among other things, the promotion of (1) research and education related to maple syrup production, and (2) natural resource sustainability in the maple syrup industry.
Supporting All Producers Act of 2025 or the SAP Act of 2025This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to solicit input from maple industry stakeholders with respect to the research and education priorities of the maple industry for the Acer Access and Development Program (Acer). Specifically, the bill amends Acer to require USDA to consider the information provided through consultation with the maple industry when making program grants.The bill also extends the program's authorization through FY2030.As background, Acer provides competitive grants to states, tribal governments, and research institutions to support their efforts to promote the domestic maple syrup industry through activities associated with, among other things, the promotion of (1) research and education related to maple syrup production, and (2) natural resource sustainability in the maple syrup industry.
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that research and promotion boards support efforts to develop new markets and strengthen existing markets for specific commodities while conducting important research and promotional activities via pooled resources and stakeholder investments.