U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is asking for bids on Alaska pollock for domestic food distribution programs as part of up to USD 50 million (EUR 46 million) the agency said it would spend on the fish.
Suppliers that want to bid on the contracts for 1 million pounds of pollock fillets, nuggets, and sticks must submit bids by 7 April 2025. Deliveries will be made between 16 May and 31 July 2025.
The Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers is “beyond pleased to see USDA issue this solicitation … to fully spend the remaining USD 2.5 million (EUR 2.3 million) of the approved ‘up t’ USD 50 million purchase USDA had pledged to the Alaska seafood industry,” GAPP CEO Craig Morris told SeafoodSource.
The USDA said in January that it would buy up to USD 50 million of Alaska Pollock, a move that was praised by the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, GAPP, and other organizations. ASMI noted that the purchases will help the Alaskan pollock sector, which is struggling with low prices and other challenges.
“We all appreciate the quick response by USDA to address the needs of the seafood industry and, at the same time, food-insecure Americans by committing to purchase what may be more than 15 million pounds of wild Alaska pollock products,” Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) Global Food Aid Director Bruce Schactler said in a statement.
“These nutritious seafood products, which may include fillet portions, fish sticks, and nuggets, will strengthen the nutrition profile of USDA offerings as recommended in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans while at the same time helping to address the extreme market challenges that are so present and causing so much disruption across the entire Alaska seafood industry,” Schactler added.
In early March, the USDA awarded nearly USD 47.5 million (EUR 44 million) worth of Alaska pollock contracts to seafood processors Trident Seafoods and Channel Fish Processing.
