October 26, 2023 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
At NOAA Fisheries, we know that a thriving, sustainable seafood sector is good for the economy, good for the environment, and good for people who eat seafood. We also recognize that the U.S. seafood industry faces unprecedented challenges from a changing climate, a recent pandemic, and ongoing disruptions to global markets.
We reaffirmed our commitment to improving the resiliency of the U.S. seafood industry with the release of our National Seafood Strategy. The strategy outlines our goals for this effort over the next five years, including fostering access to domestic markets for U.S. seafood. Getting more American seafood into American diets is a win-win solution. Supplying sustainable, nutritious seafood to feed our nation supports the financial viability of our fishing and aquaculture industries.
Partnering Across Federal Agencies
One way to meet the goals of the National Seafood Strategy is by working with federal partners, like the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Commodity Procurement Program is a long-standing USDA program that provides a valuable avenue to share the bounty of American fisheries around the country.
Since the 1930s, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture has had the authority to purchase excess agricultural commodities and donate them to Americans in need. These purchases stabilize commodity prices by reducing excess supply in the market. The food donations support critical nutrition programs around the nation that feed children, students, seniors, long-term care residents, and food bank patrons.
While the USDA is traditionally concerned with land-based meat and produce, their purchasing authority can extend to wild-caught seafood as well. That’s where NOAA Fisheries plays a key role. “The USDA relies on our expertise when it comes to seafood,” said Steve Wilson, Director of the Seafood Inspection Program. “Our program provides critical advice in crafting calls for proposals, specifications for acceptable seafood products, and inspection services.”
At NOAA Fisheries, we know that a thriving, sustainable seafood sector is good for the economy, good for the environment, and good for people who eat seafood. We also recognize that the U.S. seafood industry faces unprecedented challenges from a changing climate, a recent pandemic, and ongoing disruptions to global markets.
We reaffirmed our commitment to improving the resiliency of the U.S. seafood industry with the release of our National Seafood Strategy. The strategy outlines our goals for this effort over the next five years, including fostering access to domestic markets for U.S. seafood. Getting more American seafood into American diets is a win-win solution. Supplying sustainable, nutritious seafood to feed our nation supports the financial viability of our fishing and aquaculture industries.
Partnering Across Federal Agencies
One way to meet the goals of the National Seafood Strategy is by working with federal partners, like the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Commodity Procurement Program is a long-standing USDA program that provides a valuable avenue to share the bounty of American fisheries around the country.
Since the 1930s, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture has had the authority to purchase excess agricultural commodities and donate them to Americans in need. These purchases stabilize commodity prices by reducing excess supply in the market. The food donations support critical nutrition programs around the nation that feed children, students, seniors, long-term care residents, and food bank patrons.
While the USDA is traditionally concerned with land-based meat and produce, their purchasing authority can extend to wild-caught seafood as well. That’s where NOAA Fisheries plays a key role. “The USDA relies on our expertise when it comes to seafood,” said Steve Wilson, Director of the Seafood Inspection Program. “Our program provides critical advice in crafting calls for proposals, specifications for acceptable seafood products, and inspection services.”