Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing food-producing subsectors globally, yet the united states has fallen behind, ranking 17TH globally in terms of production, and importing 90% of our seafood…

The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service awarded a Cooperative Agreement worth $312,499.60 to City Seed, Inc. on March 1, 2026, under the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program (CFDA 10.175). The award runs through February 28, 2029, with performance in Washington, DC.

City Seed, Inc., a nonprofit based in New Haven, Connecticut, operates shared-use commercial kitchen facilities and delivers comprehensive business support services for farms, food ventures, and entrepreneurs, with emphasis on underserved populations including people of color, women, and immigrant business owners. The organization provides entrepreneurial training, mid-tier value chain development, supply chain coordination, and workplace safety support to strengthen local and regional food systems.

The Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program funds projects that develop, coordinate, and expand direct producer-to-consumer markets and local and regional food business enterprises to increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. Awards under the program are structured for two or three years in length, with recipients able to request a one-year extension to complete project objectives.

Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing food-producing subsectors globally, yet the united states has fallen behind, ranking 17TH globally in terms of production, and importing 90% of our seafood consumption. Moreover, the entire west coast of the unite