Image credit: The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has created the first-ever Office of Seafood, which it says will make it easier for American seafood cultivators, producers and processors to access federal support. One of the new Office’s primary goals will be to ensure that fishermen are integrated into USDA programs and benefit from the same resources and tools as America’s farmers and ranchers.
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said, “American fishermen are the backbone of coastal economies and a vital part of our nation’s food security. By improving coordination across agencies, the Seafood Office will ensure these fishermen can fully access the tools and programs they need to thrive.”
Groups across the U.S. seafood industry welcomed the news, including USSA member the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI). Its executive director, Jeremy Woodrow, noted,
“Establishing an office of seafood within the USDA has been a collective vision of the U.S. seafood industry for many years. Just like our country’s farmers, America’s fishermen feed the world. Establishing this office will provide greater access to USDA programs and alignment with NOAA to ensure that our fishermen and seafood industry continue to thrive well into the future.”