Making Agricultural Products Locally Essential (MAPLE) Act
The MAPLE Act would expand the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) to include maple syrup as an eligible product that seniors can purchase with their program benefits. Specifically, the bill amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to add maple syrup to the list of locally produced items (along with herbs) that seniors may buy at participating farmers markets. The bill is titled the Making Agricultural Products Locally Essential (MAPLE) Act and was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representatives Langworthy and Courtney on January 9, 2025, and referred to the Agriculture Committee. In practical terms, if enacted, eligible seniors could use SFMNP benefits to purchase maple syrup from participating producers, potentially broadening market opportunities for maple producers and expanding access to maple products at local farmers markets.
Key Points
- 1Short title: The bill is named the Making Agricultural Products Locally Essential (MAPLE) Act.
- 2Core change: Expands the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program to include maple syrup as an eligible product.
- 3Specific statutory amendment: Amends Section 4402(b)(1) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3007(b)(1)) by replacing the phrase “and herbs” with “herbs, and maple syrup.”
- 4Scope of change: Applies to the SFMNP administered under the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act; the change is limited to eligibility of products rather than funding or program structure.
- 5Legislative status: Introduced January 9, 2025, by Rep. Langworthy (and Rep. Courtney), referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. The text provided does not include funding changes or an effective date.