Supporting Equity for Aquaculture and Seafood Act

This bill aims to put fish and shellfish farming (aquaculture) on equal footing at the Department of Agriculture. It sets clear definitions for aquaculture as raising fish, shellfish, sea vegetables, and other water-grown organisms in controlled environments. It requires yearly reports on how much USDA spends on seafood and aquaculture and what grants it awards, plus a deeper study within two years on USDA’s support, U.S. seafood processing capacity, access to grants compared to land farms, and environmental pros and cons, with recommendations.

USDA would have to treat aquaculture producers the same as land-based animal agriculture when giving out grants and ensure fair funding. Farm Service Agency staff would get training on aquaculture; USDA would issue a memo within two years affirming aquaculture’s role and eligibility; and it would hold a conference or webinars every two years to keep staff and stakeholders informed. The bill also invests in research and risk protection: $30 million per year for regional aquaculture centers from 2026–2030 (with a 15% cap on admin costs), added research to help shellfish survive heat, disease, salinity, and acidification, $10 million per year (2026–2030) for cleaner, more efficient technology, and a new crop insurance policy for aquaculture starting the next insurance year after the law takes effect.

• Who is affected:

  • Aquaculture and seafood producers, including shellfish growers/harvesters, sea vegetable growers, fish farmers, and some commercial fishermen.
  • USDA and Farm Service Agency staff, plus research centers, colleges, and other eligible groups that can apply for new grants.

• What changes:

  • Equal treatment for aquaculture in USDA grants and fair funding.
  • Annual spending and grant reports through FY 2028; a two-year report on support, processing capacity, access to grants, and environmental impacts.
  • Training, a department-wide memo, and biennial webinars on aquaculture.
  • Funding for research centers and shellfish resilience; grants for cleaner tech; new crop insurance for aquaculture.

• When:

  • Reports: 1 year after enactment and yearly through FY 2028; a separate report due in 2 years.
  • Training/memo/webinars: memo and first webinars within 2 years; then every 2 years.
  • Funding: FY 2026–2030 for centers and tech grants.
  • Crop insurance: starts the next insurance year after enactment.