By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing new financial support to help seafood processors expand the processing of invasive wild-caught catfish. The agency has announced a $6 million funding opportunity aimed at increasing processing capacity, supporting fishermen, and strengthening rural economies.
The funding will be distributed through USDA Rural Development under the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP). The latest round of funding focuses specifically on invasive wild-caught catfish and seeks to create stronger markets for the species while helping reduce its impact on waterways.
Invasive catfish populations have created challenges in several aquatic ecosystems. These fish can disrupt native species, damage habitats, and affect local fishing industries. USDA believes that creating stronger commercial markets for harvested invasive catfish can help address these concerns while supporting economic growth.
“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 program supports the entire seafood supply chain, including fishermen, seafood suppliers, processors, distributors, and local businesses. Expanded processing facilities can increase demand for harvested fish and create additional opportunities throughout the industry.
“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.”
Grant funding can be used to support projects that improve processing operations and increase production capacity.
Examples of eligible activities include:
- Construction of new facilities
- Facility modernization projects
- Equipment purchases and upgrades
- Technology adoption
- Workforce training initiatives
- Capacity expansion projects
Successful projects are expected to improve efficiency, increase output, and strengthen market opportunities for invasive catfish products.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, for-profit businesses, producer-owned cooperatives, corporations, certified benefit corporations, Tribal entities, and state or local government organizations. The program is open to a variety of business structures as long as applicants meet program requirements.
Applicants must operate processing facilities located in the United States or its territories. Facilities must already be engaged in the processing of invasive wild-caught catfish and have more than one year of operating history. Private-sector applicants must also be independently owned and operated, and all entities must be domestically owned.
Grant awards will range from $50,000 to $2 million. Applicants must provide at least 20% of the total project costs through matching funds.
Industry supporters say increased processing capacity can help transform an environmental challenge into a valuable economic opportunity. New investments are expected to support job growth, create additional market demand, and improve business opportunities for fishermen and seafood processors.
Beyond economic benefits, the program may also support environmental goals by encouraging the removal of invasive fish populations from waterways. Reduced invasive species pressure can help protect marine ecosystems and support healthier aquatic environments.
USDA expects the funding to improve the resilience of the seafood sector while strengthening food supply chains across affected regions. The investment is part of broader efforts to support rural businesses and encourage growth in agricultural and seafood industries.
Applications must be submitted through www.Grants.gov by December 7, 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to review eligibility requirements and application details before preparing submissions.
By expanding processing capacity and creating stronger end markets, USDA hopes this investment will benefit both the seafood industry and the communities that depend on it while helping address the ongoing challenge of invasive catfish populations.
For more information about eligibility and requirements, visit www.Grants.gov.
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Categories: National