USDA Announces $9.75 Million Grant Funding Opportunity to Support Maple Syrup Industry and Food Security Initiatives in 2026

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced more than $9.75 million in grant funding through two important programs designed to strengthen agricultural development, expand market opportunities, support food security, and promote sustainable food production. The funding is being made available through the Acer Access and Development Program (Acer) and the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP). These programs aim to support agricultural stakeholders, local communities, research institutions, tribal governments, and state agencies working to improve food systems and agricultural sustainability across eligible regions.

According to the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), the combined funding will help promote the domestic maple syrup industry while also increasing the quantity and quality of locally produced food in communities experiencing food insecurity. This investment reflects USDA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening local food systems, supporting producers, and encouraging innovation within the agricultural sector.

Breakdown of Available Funding

The USDA has allocated funding across two separate grant programs:

1. Acer Access and Development Program (Acer)

The Acer Access and Development Program will receive $5 million in available funding. The program is specifically designed to support projects that strengthen and expand the domestic maple syrup industry in the United States.

2. Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP)

The Micro-Grants for Food Security Program will receive $4.75 million in funding. The program focuses on improving food security in communities that face challenges related to food production and dependence on imported food supplies.

Together, these programs represent a significant investment in agricultural development and food resilience.

Understanding the Acer Access and Development Program

The Acer Access and Development Program is a competitive grant initiative established to promote and strengthen the maple syrup industry through education, research, sustainability initiatives, and market development efforts. The program is authorized under the 2018 Farm Bill and receives annual appropriations from Congress.

Key Objectives of the Acer Program

The program supports activities that:

• Promote research related to maple syrup production.
• Enhance education and training for maple syrup producers.
• Encourage sustainable management of natural resources used in maple production.
• Increase consumer awareness and understanding of maple syrup products.
• Improve marketing opportunities for maple syrup and maple-sap products.
• Encourage landowners to expand maple-sugaring activities.
• Promote public access to land suitable for maple-sugaring activities.

Types of Projects Supported

The Acer program supports two primary project categories:

1. Market Development and Promotion Projects
2. Producer and Landowner Education Projects

Eligible projects can receive funding ranging from $200,000 to $500,000, with project periods extending up to 36 months. Applicants are required to provide a cost share contribution equal to 25% of the federal funding requested.

Understanding the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP)

The Micro-Grants for Food Security Program is designed to strengthen local food production and reduce food insecurity in regions that rely heavily on imported food. The program helps communities improve their ability to produce fresh food locally while supporting small-scale agricultural activities.

Areas Supported by MGFSP

Funding may support initiatives such as:

• Small-scale gardening projects.
• Community agriculture initiatives.
• Herding operations.
• Livestock production.
• Community-based food security projects.
• Local food production and distribution systems.

Through this program, eligible state and territorial agricultural agencies receive funding and subsequently provide subawards to organizations, groups, and individuals implementing local food security projects.

Why This Funding Matters

Food security and agricultural sustainability continue to be major priorities globally. By investing in local food production and strengthening agricultural industries such as maple syrup production, USDA aims to:

• Increase agricultural resilience.
• Support rural economic development.
• Improve local food availability.
• Strengthen community food systems.
• Create new market opportunities for producers.
• Encourage agricultural innovation.
• Promote sustainable land management practices.

These investments are expected to create long-term benefits for producers, consumers, communities, and agricultural institutions.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted electronically here. USDA encourages applicants to carefully review all eligibility requirements, application guidelines, and funding priorities before submitting proposals. The agency also provides informational webinars, frequently asked questions, and grants management support to help applicants prepare competitive applications.

Applicants are advised to begin the application process early to ensure all requirements are met before the deadline.

Applicants can learn more about this opportunity here

Application Deadline

The application deadline for both the Acer Access and Development Program and the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program is:

22 June 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications submitted after the deadline may not be considered unless exceptional circumstances can be documented.

Final Thoughts

The USDA’s announcement of more than $9.75 million in grant funding represents a valuable opportunity for agricultural stakeholders, research institutions, tribal governments, and state agencies to strengthen food systems and agricultural development. Whether through expanding the maple syrup industry or supporting community-based food security initiatives, these grants have the potential to generate lasting economic, environmental, and social benefits.

Organizations and agencies working in agriculture, food security, rural development, and sustainability should explore these funding opportunities and prepare strong applications before the June 22, 2026 deadline.

Discover more global grants opportunities on OFY here