Congressman Harris Announces $6 Million USDA Investment in Invasive Catfish Processing

September 9, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, today announced $6 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 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. Applications are due December 7, 2026, through Grants.gov . Statement from Congressman Harris: “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. I thank Secretary Rollins and USDA for making this funding available to protect the Chesapeake Bay and strengthen Maryland’s seafood economy.” To read USDA’s full press release, click here . For media inquiries, please contact Michella Carter at Michella.Carter@mail.house.gov Issues : Agriculture Economy Environment