Burlington Standard

WASHINGTON, DC – On May 18, 2023, Congresswoman Becca Balint and Congressman Nick Langworthy (R-NY) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Supporting All Producers Act of 2023, also known as the SAP Act, which would ensure that the Department of Agriculture (USDA) carefully follows input from maple syrup producers when directing research and education priorities under the Acer Access and Development Program. Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) will be leading the Senate companion.  

“Vermont is the leading producer of maple syrup in the United States, making it an integral part of our economy and culture. Setting clear education and research priorities are fundamental to the future of the maple industry and none of that can be done without the input of maple producers themselves. I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation `with Rep. Langworthy to support our region’s maple industry.” 

“Maple syrup producers across the country rely on the Acer Access and Development Program and as we seek to reauthorize this program in this year’s Farm Bill, it’s the perfect time to improve upon its goals with a bottom-up approach from stakeholders,” said Congressman Nick Langworthy.“This legislation will ensure the limited research and development dollars dedicated to the production of maple syrup are used in the most effective, efficient way to help sustain and grow this critical American industry.” 

In addition to requiring consultation with maple syrup producers on where to focus annual research and education priorities under Acer, this legislation would further require that such input be used, to the maximum extent practicable, in determining grant awards under the program. It would also reauthorize this critical program through 2028. 

This Bill is endorsed by the International Maple Syrup Institute, Wisconsin Maple Syrup Producers Association, Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association, New York State Maple Association, New York Farm Bureau (NYFB). 

Original Cosponsors of this legislation are Congressman Mark Pocan (D-WI), Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH), Annie Kuster (D-NH), Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI), Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Rep. Brandon Williams (R-NY), Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-NY), and Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY). 

A link to the bill text is included here. 

Original source can be found here.