# Supporting Equity for Aquaculture and Seafood Act

This bill aims to give fish farms and seafood producers the same support and attention from the federal government that traditional land-based farmers have received for decades. Right now, when the Department of Agriculture hands out grants, research funding, and other assistance, aquaculture—which includes fish farming, shellfish growing, and sea vegetable cultivation—often gets left behind compared to cattle ranches, chicken farms, and crop operations.

The bill requires the Agriculture Department to treat aquaculture producers fairly when distributing grants and other financial assistance, making sure they get adequate funding just like animal agriculture does. It also mandates that the department create training programs for its employees so they actually understand aquaculture and can help seafood producers navigate available programs. Many aquaculture producers have complained that local Farm Service Agency offices don't know how to help them because staff are trained primarily on traditional farming. The bill addresses this by requiring education for all regional office employees about aquaculture eligibility, the role of seafood farming in American agriculture, and what support the department offers.

The bill also funds research and development to help the industry grow. It provides $30 million annually through 2030 for regional aquaculture centers, $10 million yearly for developing new technology that reduces pollution and fuel use in seafood operations, and requires research on how to help shellfish survive climate-related challenges like warming water and ocean acidification. Additionally, it directs the government to develop crop insurance for aquaculture products—something that currently doesn't exist but that traditional farmers have had for years.

Finally, the bill requires the Agriculture Department to report to Congress on how much money it currently spends on seafood purchases and aquaculture support, and to evaluate whether seafood producers have fair access to department resources compared to land-based farmers. This transparency is meant to identify gaps and ensure the government is actually supporting this growing industry.

Supporting Equity for Aquaculture and Seafood Act

Pallone, Frank

Supporting Equity for Aquaculture and Seafood Act or the SEAS ActThis bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to increase support for aquaculture grants and assistance. Aquaculture is the controlled breeding, rearing, and harvesting of fish, shellfish, and sea vegetables.Specifically, the bill directs USDA to give aquaculture producers the same consideration as animal agriculture producers in awarding grants or other assistance. Further, USDA must ensure adequate and fair funding levels are provided to aquaculture producers under USDA programs. USDA must also provide its staff with specific education and trainings on aquaculture.USDA must make competitive grants (e.g., to regional&nbsp;aquaculture centers or nonprofit organizations) to develop next generation technology to reduce pollution and fuel usage in the seafood and aquaculture industries. Further, Agriculture and Food Research Initiative program grants must address methods of increasing the survival rate and adaptability of shellfish, including resistance to heat, disease, salinity, and acidification.In addition, the federal crop insurance program (FCIP) must research and develop a policy to insure aquaculture products. Further, the&nbsp;Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (the agency that finances FCIP operations) must establish a policy to insure aquaculture products.USDA must submit to Congress (1) an annual report that includes information on USDA seafood and aquaculture purchases and grants, and (2) a report on USDA's role in supporting aquaculture and the seafood industry.