Bill > HR1275

This bill, known as the Maple Tapping Access Program Act, authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide grants to states and tribal governments to bolster the domestic maple syrup industry. These grants can be used for several purposes: funding research and education related to maple syrup production, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources within the industry, supporting market promotion for maple products, and encouraging private landowners to either start or expand their own maple-sugaring operations (which is defined as collecting sap from maple trees to make food) or to allow public access to their land for such activities. The bill also outlines requirements for grant applications, clarifies that it does not override existing state or tribal laws, and authorizes $20 million annually for fiscal years 2012 through 2015 to carry out these provisions.