The US Farm Bill 2026 proposes many new policies for fisheries exploitation, processing, aquaculture, and enhancing the competitiveness of the domestic fisheries industry. These contents are mentioned in the summary of each provision of the US Senate Agriculture Committee.
One notable change is the expansion of access to agricultural operating loans for commercial fishermen. Under Article 5216, funds can be used to purchase, operate, or maintain commercial fishing vessels. Institutions within the Agricultural Credit System are also permitted to provide funding to businesses that provide services to producers or harvesters of aquatic products.
The bill also increases the role of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the fisheries sector. Section 12605 proposes the establishment of a Fisheries Office within the USDA to coordinate activities related to the harvesting, processing, and consumption of wild-caught and farmed fishery products.
The USDA will also work with the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to study solutions for expanding the processing capacity of domestically harvested seafood in coastal communities. The bill proposes expanding mandatory origin labeling requirements to include certain salmon and crab products.
For the shrimp industry, the bill requires the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate policy solutions aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the U.S. shrimp and seafood industry in domestic and international markets.
In addition, aquaculture has been added to the USDA’s list of priority research and extension activities. These regulations, if implemented, would expand support for credit, research, processing, and marketing for the U.S. seafood industry.
