USDA Announces $530 Million Seafood Trade Relief Program for U.S. Commercial Fishers Affected by Tariffs

By: Andrew Ropicki, Florida Sea Grant Extension Specialist in Economics, aropicki@ufl.edu

On September 9^th the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the new Seafood Trade Relief Program (STRP). The program, to be administered by the Farm Service Agency, makes $530 million available as direct support to U.S. commercial fishers impacted by retaliatory tariffs. Payments to fishers will be based on 2019 landings of certain species at a specified rate (see table). Species included in the program were those with estimated trade damages of $5 million or more due to the tariffs.

For commercial fishers to qualify for the program they must hold a valid state or federal license and/or permit, and their catch must be sold or transferred to a licensed and/or permitted seafood dealer. Aquacultured seafood, except for geoducks and salmon, does not qualify for the program. Eligible commercial fishers can apply for the program between September 14, 2020 and December 14, 2020 by completing a “2020 Seafood Trade Relief Program (STRP) Application” (form CCC-916) either in person, by mail, e-mail, or facsimile to a Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office. Further information on the program including eligibility requirements and how to apply is available on the Seafood Trade Relief Program website and in the Notice of Funds Availability Document.