The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established the Office of Seafood to provide access to federal programs, grants and loans for the U.S. fishing industry, similar to those for agricultural producers.
The announcement came on April 15 from USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, as well as Sens. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, and Susan Collins, R-Maine.
Rollins said the office would prioritize customer service and ease of navigation for American seafood cultivators, producers and processors to access USDA programs.
The announcement was made possible through the priorities and provisions of the Working Families Tax Cuts, a new chapter for America’s fishermen, Rollins said.
The office is to offer tailored assistance and resources to the American fisheries industry to increase seafood production, marketing and processing capacity. Officials say they’ll connect industry stakeholders to Rural Development grants, loans for infrastructure and marketing.
“American fishermen are the backbone of coastal economies and a vital part of our nation’s food security,” said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. “By improving coordination across agencies, the Seafood Office will ensure these fishermen can fully access the tools and programs they need to thrive.”
Sullivan noted that the new office will benefit all of Alaska’s fishers, small businesses and many coastal and Interior communities in Alaska.
“American fishermen are the backbone of coastal economies and a vital part of our nation’s food security,” said Sullivan. “By improving coordination across agencies, the Seafood Office will ensure these fishermen can fully access the tools and programs they need to thrive.”
The order supports the President Donald Trump’s executive order 14276, Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness.
