USDA Seafood Relief Trade Program for Commercial Fishermen

USDA/FSA Seafood Trade Relief Program (“STRP”)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is making $530 million dollars available to U.S. commercial fishermen affected by retaliatory trade disruptions. This financial relief program is not in response to COVID-19, but specifically for trade relief for commercial fishermen.

Program opened: September 14, 2020
Program ends: December 14, 2020

Important Information:

USDA/FSA Website for STRP: www.farmers.gov/seafood

USDA/FSA Call Center Number: (877) 508-8364 
The Call Center is available for fishermen who would like additional one-on-one support with the STRP application process. You are encouraged to call directly and speak with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance. The Call Center can provide service to non-English speaking customers. 

Helpful Links and Resources:

• STRP Fact Sheet (PDF)
• FAQs
• September 22, 2020 Informational Webinar (fill in the contact form like you are “registering” for the webinar to access the webinar recording)

Find FSA Office Locations: www.farmers.gov/connect or www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator

To Apply:

 All required forms and instructions for the STRP application can be found on the USDA/FSA STRP website: www.farmers.gov/seafood

Fast Facts:

• These are not loans that have to be repaid
• Must be a U.S. citizen to be eligible
• Available to all commercial fishermen, which is defined by NOAA as “someone who harvests seafood (in U.S. waters to the EEZ) for sale/trade through a dealer) who were actively fishing/in business in 2020 and targeting the eligible species” (see list of eligible STRP species below)
• Must have a federal or state license to commercially land and sell fish
• The STRP payout is based on 2019 landings caught and sold
  • This is important! The payout is based on 2019 landings, but in order to be eligible you must have been actively fishing/in business in 2020 (any amount of time in 2020). Your 2020 landings do not factor into the payout.
• There is a payment limitation of $250,000 per person or entity for all seafood combined
• Aquaculture businesses are not eligible for this program except for salmon and geoduck (see list of eligible STRP species below)
  • Aquaculture businesses should refer to the USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP): www.farmers.gov/cfap
• Commercial fishermen can apply online or in person through your local FSA office
  • Epping Service Center is the FSA office for New Hampshire’s Rockingham County

Local FSA Office in New Hampshire – Rockingham County:

Eligible Species:

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Tags: 

Seafood