Application Period for USDA’s Trade Relief Program Extended to January 15, 2021
Maine Department of Marine Resources sent this bulletin at 12/03/2020 12:25 PM EST
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The application period the USDA Farm Service Agency's Seafood Trade Relief Program has been extended to January 15, 2021.
As indicated in previous notices, the program will provide approximately $530 million to support the U.S. seafood industry and fishermen impacted by retaliatory tariffs from foreign governments.
Payments are based on an individual’s 2019 landings of eligible species, multiplied by the value that has been assigned to each eligible species. Payments will not need to be repaid and there is no cost to apply however the payment will be considered taxable income. There is a payment limitation of $250,000 per person or entity for all seafood combined.
Eligible species include:
- Flounder - 15 cents/lb.
- Goosefish - 10 cents/lb.
- Herring – 4 cents/lb.
- Lobster - 50 cents/lb.
- Pollock - 1 cent/lb.
- Sole - 15 cents/lb.
- Squid - 20 cents/lb.
- Tuna - 13 cents/lb.
- Salmon (aquaculture) - 16 cents/lb.
Additional information on the program as well as the application form is available at www.farmers.gov/seafood. For assistance, contact your local USDA FSA Service Center. Location information for Maine FSAs is attached to this notice. If you need in-person assistance, please call the Center nearest you to make arrangements for an appointment.
To be eligible to apply, you must have a valid federal or state license or permit to catch one or more of these species, and that catch must be sold through a legally permitted or licensed seafood dealer. Our current understanding is that product that is not sold through a dealer is not eligible for submission.
To apply, you will need to self-certify your 2019 landings information on the application. Due to the confidentiality laws, DMR cannot provide personal landings information over the phone. If you do not have your 2019 landings the quickest way to get this information is to contact your dealer(s).
Again, the application period has been extended and will remain open until January 15, 2021, and additional information on the program as well as the application form is available at www.farmers.gov/seafood. .