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Standard Summary
Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs
The MAPLE Act (S. 57) would amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to add maple syrup to the list of products that can be purchased with benefits from the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). Specifically, it inserts “maple syrup” in the eligibility list before “herbs.” The bill is a relatively small expansion of the program, aiming to support local maple producers and increase access to locally produced foods for low-income seniors who participate in SFMNP. It does not itself authorize new funding or create new programs; it simply changes the eligible item list that is already part of the SFMNP framework.
Key Points
- 1The bill adds maple syrup to the list of eligible items under the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, placing it before herbs in the eligible-item list.
- 2Short title: the Making Agricultural Products Locally Essential Act (MAPLE Act).
- 3The bill amends federal law but does not specify new funding or authorize new appropriations; implementation would rely on existing SFMNP funding and administrative rules.
- 4Applies nationwide, changing the federal statute governing SFMNP.
- 5Sponsored in the Senate by a group of senators (including Welch, Collins, Schumer, Sanders, King, and Gillibrand), indicating cross-party, regional support.
Impact Areas
Primary group/area affected: Low-income seniors who participate in the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, who would be able to use SFMNP benefits to purchase maple syrup; maple producers and vendors who supply maple syrup at eligible markets.Secondary group/area affected: Farmers’ markets and other venues that participate in SFMNP; state and federal program administrators who administer SFMNP (e.g., USDA and state agencies) would need to update guidelines and vendor criteria.Additional impacts: Potential positive economic impact for maple-producing regions; modest program cost implications depending on uptake and current funding levels for SFMNP; could encourage broader recognition of maple products as locally produced foods within nutrition programs.
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