The American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026 would change several federal programs so that people and businesses in commercial fishing, fish processing, and mariculture can use certain Department of Agriculture loans, grants, and Farm Credit services. The bill adds definitions for commercial fishing, commercial fishing vessels, fish, and fish processing. It makes owners and operators of commercial fishing vessels and fish processing facilities eligible for farm ownership and operating loans for specific purposes, such as buying permits or vessels, making capital improvements, and paying operating and maintenance costs. The bill also adds wild-caught fish to a local agriculture market program, allows domestic seafood marketing activities to be eligible, and lets the Secretary of Agriculture waive or reduce matching fund requirements for seafood-related grant recipients. The Secretary must integrate these participants into USDA programs within one year and provide outreach, training, and coordination with NOAA and other agencies. The Farm Credit Act is amended to allow credit and financial services to businesses that provide services directly related to the operating needs of producers or harvesters of aquatic products.
No publicly available information.
The bill would expand access to USDA loans, grants, and Farm Credit to commercial fishing and fish processing businesses, add wild-caught fish to eligible local market activities, and require USDA outreach and coordination to help the seafood industry use these programs.
No publicly available information.