USDA Awards $6M Grant for Processing Invasive Catfish

CHESAPEAKE BAY, Md. – Congressman Andy Harris (R-MD01) announced on Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding $6 million in grant funding to expand processing capacity for invasive wild-caught catfish.

The funding, available through USDA Rural Development’s Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program, will provide grants of $50,000 to $2 million to help eligible processors expand facilities, purchase equipment, and increase invasive catfish processing capacity.

Congressman Harris thanked the USDA for making the funding available, saying in part, “Invasive blue catfish are reducing the blue crab and native fish populations that Maryland watermen harvest and sell. Increasing processing capacity will strengthen the market for wild-caught catfish, expand opportunities for watermen and seafood processors, and remove more invasive fish from the Bay.”

WMDT previously reported on legislation passed in the 2026 General Assembly that expands the “Invasive Blue Catfish Pilot Program” by including any programs the Department of Natural Resources considers effective in stopping the spread of the blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay. Governor Wes Moore signed the bill into law on Apr. 14.

Applications to receive grant funding are due Dec. 7, through Grants.gov.