Congress has just approved a key amendment to the continuing resolution funding the federal government, and it brings two major developments for the U.S. seafood industry. First, the amendment creates a new “Seafood Industry Liaison” position within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), backed by a $500,000 allocation, to help integrate the seafood sector into USDA programs and coordinate across agencies to benefit both wild and farmed domestic seafood producers. (SeafoodSource)

Second, the amendment imposes a ban on the procurement of raw or processed seafood imported from People’s Republic of China for use in the National School Lunch Program, signaling a “Buy-American” stance on school-meal sourcing. Additional provisions include $2 million in grants for U.S. catfish processors and a directive for the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to work with industry on proper commodity names for several rockfish species.

These changes represent a significant legislative win for fishermen and seafood processors seeking greater recognition within USDA’s agriculture-focused framework and underscore growing attention to domestic seafood supply chains and food-origin transparency.