WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding its role in food production by creating a new Office of Seafood to improve access to federal programs for fishermen, aquaculture producers, and processors.
The new office is designed to coordinate USDA resources and make it easier for seafood producers to navigate programs traditionally used by farmers and ranchers. Officials say the move recognizes seafood as a key part of the U.S. food supply and aligns support for fishing operations with broader agricultural policy.
The effort also ties into a wider federal strategy to strengthen domestic food production and reduce reliance on imports. The office will work alongside the Department of Commerce and other agencies to support marketing, processing, and export development for U.S. seafood products.
For rural and coastal economies, the change could expand access to financing, risk-management tools, and development programs that have historically been more readily available to traditional agriculture.
The move reflects a broader push to integrate aquaculture and seafood production into the same policy framework as land-based agriculture.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Seafood producers gain expanded access to USDA support programs.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Two more key developments in ag law and taxation from 2023, a crackdown on biodiesel fraud and developments in self-employment taxation (#7 and #6), are the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post, the second in a series by RFD-TV agri-legal expert Roger McEowen.
January 18, 2024 12:44 PM
·
The start of the review of the most important ag law and tax developments of 2023—that is the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post by RFD-TV agri-legal expert Roger A. McEowen
January 04, 2024 12:20 PM
·
As we start the new year, let’s take a look at some of the legislative items from 2023 affecting agriculture that will continue to play out in the political area for months to come.
January 02, 2024 12:00 PM
·
Duck hunting has been a part of Louisiana heritage since Cajuns first settled in the region. One man in central Louisiana is keeping the old ways alive by continuing to craft these prized duck calls rooted in tradition.
December 27, 2023 12:49 PM
·
Both imports and exports are moving through the Panama Canal at a slower pace as the ag industry continues to deal with drought-related restrictions.
December 26, 2023 02:51 PM
·
December 22, 2023 11:05 AM
·
