What does Preamble of American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to expand eligibility of Department of Agriculture loans and grants for fishing and mariculture businesses, and for other purposes,' aims to modify the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. The proposed legislation seeks to broaden the eligibility criteria for Department of Agriculture loans and grants. The focus of these expanded eligibility provisions is on fishing and mariculture businesses.

What does SHORT TITLE. of American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026

What does DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE LOANS AND GRANTS FOR FISHING AND of American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026 do?

This section amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to include commercial fishing and fish processing within the definitions of 'farmer' and 'farming'. It expands the eligibility for farm ownership and operating loans to include individuals and entities engaged in commercial fishing or fish processing. Loan purposes are clarified to specify allowable uses for commercial fishery participants and fish processors, such as acquiring permits, vessels, and facilities, or making capital improvements. The Local Agriculture Market Program is modified to include wild-caught fish as an eligible agricultural commodity and allows for domestic seafood marketing. The Secretary of Agriculture may waive matching fund requirements for grants to recipients engaged in commercial fishing or fish processing. The Secretary of Agriculture is directed to integrate commercial fishing and fish processing entities into Department of Agriculture programs within one year of the Act's enactment.

What does EXTENSION OF CREDIT TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING SERVICES TO of American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026 do?

This section amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to extend credit to businesses providing services to producers or harvesters of aquatic products. Eligibility for credit and financial services is expanded to include persons furnishing services directly related to the operating needs of aquatic product producers or harvesters. The amendment applies to both Farm Credit Banks and Production Credit Associations.

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American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026

Last updated: 3/26/2026 · Introduced: 3/26/2026

Author: Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill expands eligibility for Department of Agriculture loans and grants to include commercial fishing and fish processing businesses, redefining 'farmer' and 'farming' accordingly.
It allows the Local Agriculture Market Program to include wild-caught fish and supports domestic seafood marketing initiatives.
The bill extends credit through the Farm Credit System to businesses providing services to aquatic product producers and harvesters.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

4 sections

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