American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026

This bill aims to expand financial support for the U.S. seafood industry by making commercial fishing and fish processing businesses eligible for various U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans and grants. It amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act by redefining terms like "farmer," "farming," "farm," and "ranch" to explicitly include commercial fishing , fish processing , commercial fishing vessels, and fish processing facilities. This redefinition allows these businesses to access USDA farm ownership and operating loans . Under the expanded eligibility, commercial fishing participants can use farm ownership loans for acquiring permits, vessels, and making capital improvements, while fish processors can use them for facilities. Farm operating loans become available for the costs associated with operating and maintaining commercial fishing vessels and fish processing facilities. The bill also integrates wild-caught fish into the Local Agriculture Market Program , making domestic seafood marketing an eligible activity and allowing for waivers of matching funds requirements for seafood businesses. Furthermore, the legislation extends eligibility for Farm Credit Banks and Production Credit Associations to include entities providing services directly related to the operating needs of aquatic product producers or harvesters. The Secretary of Agriculture is mandated to implement these changes within one year, ensuring effective integration through outreach, technical assistance, and training for USDA personnel. Coordination with agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is also required to facilitate these new provisions.