Expands eligibility for Department of Agriculture loans and grants to commercial fishing and fish processing businesses.

The American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026 amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to expand eligibility for Department of Agriculture loans and grants to include commercial fishing and fish processing businesses. It defines "farmer" and "farming" to include "commercial fishing" and "fish processing." The bill allows individuals or entities engaged in commercial fishing to use direct or guaranteed loans for acquiring commercial fishing permits, vessels, and for operating and maintaining vessels.

Expands eligibility for Department of Agriculture loans and grants to commercial fishing and fish processing businesses.

The American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026 amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to expand eligibility for Department of Agriculture loans and grants to include commercial fishing and fish processing businesses. It defines "farmer" and "farming" to include "commercial fishing" and "fish processing." The bill allows individuals or entities engaged in commercial fishing to use direct or guaranteed loans for acquiring commercial fishing permits, vessels, and for operating and maintaining vessels.