Acer Access Development Program

Acer Access and Development Program
CFDA 10.174 Active Grant

Open Opportunities (1)

Live Grants.gov opportunities funded under this program — you can apply now.

Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$5M FY2026
$5.1M
FY24
$4.6M
FY25
$5M
FY26*
* estimated

Who has received this funding

Organizations awarded under CFDA 10.174 (USAspending.gov).

Funded Projects

Examples of what this program has supported.

FY2025 The Acer Access and Development Program (ACER) supports the U.S. maple syrup industry by funding projects that promote production, research, and market development. Notable achievements include:

Advancing Maple Syrup Production Research: ACER has funded studies to improve sap collection methods and development of value-added products, increasing production efficiency and product diversity.

Promoting Sustainable Forestry Practices: The program encourages sustainable management of maple forests, ensuring long-term forest health, and environmental health, an industry viability.

Expanding Market Opportunities: ACER supports marketing initiatives that increase consumer awareness and demand for maple products, contributing to sales growth and broader economic benefits.

Program Objective

Acer program supports States, tribal governments, and research institutions to promote the domestic maple syrup industry through the following activities: (1) Promotion of research and education related to maple syrup production. (2) Promotion of natural resource sustainability in the maple syrup industry. (3) Market promotion for maple syrup and maple-sap products. (4) Encouragement of owners and operators of privately held land containing species of trees in the genus Acer: (a) to initiate or expand maple-sugaring activities on the land; or (b) to voluntarily make the land available, including by lease or other means, for access by the public for maple-sugaring activities.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • Other

How to Apply

Award Procedure

AMS outlines the merit review process in each grant program’s RFA. After the application deadline has passed, AMS begins a three-step process to evaluate each application. Grant agreements are established with applicants based on the results of this three-step process to ensure compliance with requirement that Federal awarding

Eligible applicants should review the RFA for the application deadline. Annual application deadlines and funding opportunities are posted in Grants.gov. More information is available at www.ams.usda.gov/grants.

Program details & compliance

Description

The Acer Access and Development Program (Acer) provides grants to support the efforts of States, tribal governments, and research institutions to promote the domestic maple syrup industry. Supported activities include promotion of research and education related to maple syrup production; promotion of natural resource sustainability in the maple syrup industry.

Mission Categories

Primary: Production and Operation

Other categories:
Marketing Opportunities

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

Agriculture/Forestry/Fish and Game
Funding is utilized to cover expenses by State Department of Agriculture to provide project types as identified in the Request for Applications.

Restrictions

Eligible entities may not use grant funds for the purchase of land, construction or rehabilitation of a building or structure, agricultural production related expenses, including crop production and the purchase of farm equipment, tools, materials, supplies and other related costs, the purchase of general-purpose equipment, the purchase of food for donations or resale, benefitting one agriculture producer, entity, or individual.

Required Documentation

A grant agreement is entered into between AMS and the eligible entity that submits the application. OMB Guidance for Grants Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards at 2 CFR § 200 and 2 CFR § 400 applies to this program.

Reporting & Compliance

Records Retention
3 years

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart B — General Provisions
  • Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart E — Cost Principles
  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Contacts

ACER Grant Program Team
202-690-1300
1400 Independence Ave SW,, Washington, DC 20250
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2026-02-03. Spec v2.0. Last synced: 2026-05-29 05:36:58.