# Congress Seeks USDA Whiting Purchases

Oregon's seafood industry is pursuing federal procurement opportunities after losing a $95 million annual export market for Pacific whiting due to the war in Ukraine. A bipartisan group of Oregon congressional members has formally requested the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to utilize Section 32 authority to purchase domestically produced whiting for federal nutrition programs in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. This initiative aims to create new demand for West Coast seafood processors and related supply chains, potentially stabilizing the regional seafood economy and expanding federal seafood procurement.

- The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries (NOAA Fisheries) are key agencies involved in managing seafood procurement and fisheries regulation.
- Procurement professionals should note the potential for increased federal contracts for Pacific whiting, which could open opportunities for seafood processors and suppliers in Oregon and Washington.
- This development signals a strategic use of Section 32 funds to support domestic producers amid international market disruptions.
- Companies in the seafood supply chain should evaluate their capacity to meet federal nutrition program requirements and consider engagement with USDA procurement processes.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 21, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries (NOAA Fisheries)
- Pacific Fishery Management Council

### Sources
- [Oregon Seafood Industry Turns to Federal Market After War Erases $95 Million Whiting Trade](https://www.grantspasstribune.com/oregon-seafood-industry-turns-to-federal-market-after-war-erases-95-million-whiting-trade) - Grants Pass Tribune