04/06/2026
Spotlight: Facilitating Change
The American Seafood Competitiveness Act
This month the Fishing Communities Coalition (FCC) announced the introduction of the American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026, which aims to expand access to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans, grants, and credit programs for commercial fishing, seafood processing, and mariculture-related businesses, in alignment with the Executive Order on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness.
The bill would:
Expand eligibility for USDA operational loans to commercial fishermen and seafood processors, to manage rising maintenance and operating costs.
Allow commercial fishery participants and seafood processors to use farm ownership loans (low-cost capital) to purchase permits, acquire vessels, and make capital improvements.
Enable commercial fishery participants and seafood processors to use farm operating loans for fishing vessel/seafood processing facility operating and maintenance expenses.
Make wild-caught fish and shellfish eligible products under USDA’s Local Agriculture Market Program.
Authorize USDA to waive or reduce matching fund requirements for fishing and processing businesses, lowering barriers for small and rural operators.
Expand Farm Credit eligibility to businesses providing services to fishermen and processors.
Direct USDA to conduct outreach, provide technical assistance, train staff, and coordinate with NOAA and state agencies to ensure seafood producers can effectively access programs.
