Bill > S879

This bill, titled the Maple Tapping Access Program Act, authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide grants to State and tribal governments to support the domestic maple syrup industry. These grants can fund research and education on maple syrup production, promote sustainable natural resource management within the industry, support market promotion for maple products, and encourage landowners to either start or expand maple-sugaring activities (which is defined as collecting sap from maple trees to make food) or to allow public access to their land for such activities. To receive a grant, States and tribal governments must submit an application detailing their proposed activities, intended benefits, and anticipated increases in maple-sugaring or production. The bill clarifies that it does not override existing State or tribal laws and authorizes $20 million annually for fiscal years 2014 through 2017 to carry out these provisions.