Bill > HR4898

This bill, known as the Supporting Equity for Aquaculture and Seafood Act (SEAS Act), aims to support and promote aquaculture and seafood industries by implementing several key provisions. The bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to submit annual reports on seafood purchases, grants, and industry support, including evaluations of domestic seafood processing capacity, environmental impacts, and potential recommendations for best practices. The legislation mandates that USDA provide equitable treatment for aquaculture producers, ensuring they receive similar consideration and funding as traditional animal agriculture producers. The bill also introduces new requirements for USDA employee education about aquaculture, including training for Farm Service Agency regional offices on aquaculture-related grants and the industry's role in U.S. agriculture. Additionally, the bill provides financial support for regional aquaculture centers, authorizes competitive grants for developing next-generation seafood and aquaculture technologies to reduce pollution and fuel usage, expands shellfish research initiatives, and directs the USDA to develop a crop insurance policy specifically for aquaculture products. By addressing funding, research, education, and support mechanisms, the bill seeks to elevate the aquaculture and seafood sectors' status and potential within the U.S. agricultural landscape.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4898/all-info