US Tuna Fishers Could Benefit From New USDA Funding

The US House of Representatives recently approved USD 500,000 for the newly started Office of Seafood, which could help tuna harvesters and processors to gain access to USDA programs, including loans and grants. The funds are part of the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) fiscal 2027 budget, to support the office operations.

In April, the US created a new USDA Office of Seafood, which will be responsible for providing leadership, expertise, management, and advice to the US Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, on matters impacting tuna and other seafood industries. This latest move aligns with US President Donald Trump signed ‘Executive Order on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness’ last April, putting primary focus on American-produced seafood in the US market, and relying less on imports. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration, amendment, and a vote before it can proceed to become a law.