American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026

The American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026 aims to provide the seafood industry with the same federal financial support currently available to traditional farmers and ranchers. By amending the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, the bill would officially categorize commercial fishing and fish processing as agricultural activities. This change would allow fishermen and seafood processors to apply for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans and grants to purchase vessels, acquire fishing permits, and upgrade processing facilities.

If enacted, the legislation would expand the Farm Credit System to include businesses that support the seafood industry, such as gear manufacturers and cold storage providers. It also proposes including wild-caught seafood in the USDA’s Local Agricultural Market Program, which helps producers market their products locally. These measures are intended to lower operating costs and provide a more stable financial foundation for coastal communities and small-scale fishing operations that have historically lacked access to the same safety nets as land-based agriculture.