Following the announcement of $8 billion in funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Harvest Fuel Relief program, the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association (MCFA) is asking the state’s fishermen to help provide the data USDA needs as it determines how relief payments will work for the commercial fishing industry.
The program is expected to provide one-time financial assistance to eligible farmers and fishermen to help offset diesel and other production costs during the 2026 production year. Details on how fishermen can apply for assistance have not yet been released.
In the meantime, MCFA is encouraging Maine fishermen to document their fuel use and operating information and submit letters of support that can help USDA understand how fuel costs affect different fishing businesses.
According to MCFA, USDA is particularly looking for information on on-vessel fuel consumption, including fuel used per hour, per nautical mile, or per unit of catch. Fishermen can also provide information about their vessels, average or typical catch per trip, and fuel pricing, although pricing information is not required.
For fishermen looking to prepare now, keeping 2026 fuel receipts and bills organized could make it easier to document expenses once USDA releases application requirements. Records showing gallons purchased, fuel prices, trip dates, vessel information and, when available, fuel consumption associated with individual trips could also help fishermen provide a clearer picture of their operating costs.
MCFA said letters from Maine fishermen will help USDA better understand the financial impact of fuel costs across the fleet and determine how assistance should be structured. Fishermen who provide information to the organization will receive a customized letter of support along with instructions for submitting it to USDA.
Those operating multiple vessels with significantly different fuel-use patterns can submit information for each vessel separately.
MCFA emphasized that submitting a letter of support is not an application for Harvest Fuel Relief funding. Application information and eligibility requirements for fishermen are still forthcoming, and the organization said it will share additional details once they become available.
MCFA may also use information submitted by fishermen anonymously in its own letter of support to USDA. Fishermen with questions can contact MCFA’s Ben Martens at [email protected] or 207-619-1755.
UFA urges fishermen to prepare ahead of application period
MCFA isn’t the only industry group encouraging fishermen to prepare. United Fishermen of Alaska (UFA) said it will continue sharing information as USDA develops the program and thanked Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, for advocating to include commercial fishermen.
UFA President Matt Alward said the organization was grateful for Sullivan’s efforts to ensure Alaska fishermen would be eligible for the relief, calling the program important to supporting fishermen and coastal communities.
UFA also highlighted another step fishermen can take now. USDA is encouraging producers of non-Title I commodities, including fishermen, to submit information on increased fuel costs to [email protected] as the agency determines payment rates.
Fishermen can also create a Login.gov account ahead of the application period. According to UFA, producers who have a Login.gov account linked to USDA will be able to access pre-filled applications online once the application period is announced.
The additional guidance reinforces MCFA’s message for fishermen to begin preparing now, even as final payment rates, eligibility requirements, and application details are still being developed.
