USDA Awards More Than $5 Million to Expand U.S. Maple Syrup Production and Markets

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded more than $5 million to 12 projects across six states through its Acer Access and Development Program, directing new federal support toward maple syrup production, producer education and market development.

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service announced the awards on September 24. The program is designed to strengthen the domestic maple sector through research and education, natural resource sustainability, and promotion of maple syrup and maple sap products.

Two tracks for the 2026 awards

The funded projects fall into two groups. Producer and Landowner Education projects are intended to expand access to research, educational resources and sustainability practices while helping landowners start or expand maple sugaring. Market Development and Promotion projects focus on consumer awareness, promotion and the development of markets for U.S. maple products.

The awards are notable because maple production sits at the intersection of specialty agriculture, forest management and rural value added processing. Support aimed at both production capacity and demand can help smaller producers improve technical knowledge while broadening the commercial market for domestic syrup and sap products.

USDA said the 12 awards are distributed across six states. The funding forms part of a wider Agricultural Marketing Service portfolio intended to strengthen agricultural systems and market access.