New funding aims to boost seafood processing and support rural economies
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a new $6 million funding opportunity to support seafood processors that handle invasive wild-caught catfish. The initiative is designed to help remove invasive fish species from waterways while creating new business opportunities for fishermen, processors, and rural communities.
The funding will be provided through USDA Rural Development's Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP). The program is intended to strengthen processing capacity, improve market access, and support economic growth in areas that depend on fishing and seafood industries.
“Under the leadership of President Trump, the USDA is actively implementing actionable and innovative solutions like this one that solve serious challenges,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “By investing in seafood processors, we can help our hardworking watermen remove invasive catfish from our waterways while strengthening the future of our rural communities.”
The grants are expected to benefit watermen, fishermen, seafood suppliers, and processing businesses by creating stronger markets for invasive wild-caught catfish. As processing capacity grows, more fish can be removed from affected waterways, helping to reduce environmental pressure on native species and aquatic habitats.
“Wild‑caught catfish processors on the Eastern Shore are playing a vital role in transforming an invasive species challenge into a growing commercial market that supports rural economies,” said Maryland Representative Andy Harris.
He added, “By developing processing capacity for wild‑caught catfish, these businesses contribute to job creation, expand opportunities for watermen and seafood suppliers, and strengthen the broader food and agricultural supply chain. I am grateful that this USDA grant program has enabled investment opportunities like this one that support this important effort.”
Through the new funding round, eligible businesses can receive grants ranging from $50,000 to $2 million. The funding can be used for a variety of projects that increase processing capacity and efficiency.
Approved projects may include:
The goal is to help independent seafood processors become more efficient while addressing the challenge posed by invasive catfish populations. Increased processing capacity can create a more reliable market for harvested fish while supporting long-term industry growth.
A wide range of organizations may apply for funding. Eligible applicants include for-profit businesses, nonprofit organizations, producer-owned cooperatives, corporations, certified benefit corporations, Tribal governments and entities, as well as state and local government organizations.
To qualify, applicants must be independently owned and operated if they are private entities. All applicants must be domestically owned, and their processing facilities must be located and operating within the United States or its territories. Businesses must also have more than one year of operating history and be actively involved in processing invasive wild-caught catfish.
Recipients will be required to provide a matching contribution equal to 20% of the total project cost. This cost-share requirement is intended to support strong investments while encouraging long-term business growth.
USDA officials believe the program will strengthen the seafood industry while improving environmental conditions in affected waterways. By increasing demand for invasive catfish products, the initiative can create sustainable market opportunities and encourage the removal of harmful fish populations.
Applications for the funding opportunity must be submitted through www.Grants.gov no later than 11:59 p.m. on December 7, 2026. Full eligibility rules, application requirements, and program details are available through the federal grants system.
The new investment reflects USDA's continued effort to support rural businesses, strengthen food supply chains, and develop innovative solutions that benefit both the environment and local economies.
For more information about eligibility and requirements, visit www.Grants.gov.
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