The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) has secured more than $10.7 million in federal funding to support international marketing efforts for Alaska seafood, the organization announced this week.
The funding includes $4.7 million through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Market Access Program (MAP) and an additional $6 million from the America First Trade Promotion Program (AFTPP), a newer initiative aimed at expanding export markets for U.S. agricultural products.
According to ASMI, both programs are designed to help build and strengthen overseas markets through promotional and marketing activities. The funds are awarded through a competitive process and require matching contributions. MAP awards must be matched at 33 percent, while AFTPP funds require a 10 percent match.
ASMI said it will meet those requirements by leveraging State of Alaska general funds along with the industry’s marketing assessment, which is set at 0.5 percent of ex-vessel value.
“These international grant awards, in combination with ASMI’s strong efforts in the U.S. domestic market, help to increase demand for Alaska seafood, which in turn increases the value throughout the Alaska seafood supply chain,” said Jeremy Woodrow. “This benefits Alaska processors, businesses and fishermen, as well as Alaska communities.”
ASMI officials emphasized the importance of export markets to the state’s seafood industry, noting that roughly 70 percent of Alaska seafood by value is exported annually.
“I am immensely proud of the ASMI International team, whose efforts and achievements have resulted in sustained and expanding support from USDA,” said Nicole Alba. “With 70 percent of Alaska seafood by value exported annually, these awards come at a critical time for our industry. They provide market diversification, competitiveness, increase resiliency, and continue to allow Alaska to feed the world with healthy, nutritious and sustainable protein.”
A 2023 analysis cited by ASMI found the organization secured more than $40 million in competitive federal grants between 2020 and 2024, nearly matching the $44 million generated during that period through the industry assessment and State of Alaska funding.
