Trump’s 'Made in America' agenda could accelerate the growth of cultivated seafood by prioritising domestic production, reducing imports and creating biotech jobs. This alignment positions the industry as a key player in strengthening US food security and economic resilience. Doug Grant, co-founder and CEO of Atlantic Fish Co, explores the impact of Trump’s economic priorities on the cultivated seafood sector.
As the United States prepares for a new chapter under the Trump administration, the political winds signal a renewed focus on 'Made in America' policies – tariffs, domestic manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports.
For companies in cellular agriculture, this moment presents a unique opportunity to align biotechnology innovation with national priorities. At Atlantic Fish Co, an American cultivated seafood company based in North Carolina, we see this as a pivotal time to advance our mission of making the world’s most sustainable seafood, while contributing to the economic and food security goals of the US.
A nation secure in its food supply and economic strategy
Food security is foundational to national stability. A country’s ability to produce its own goods, energy, and food ensures resilience in the face of global uncertainty. Yet, the US currently imports a staggering 80% of its seafood.
According to the NOAA Fisheries database, nearly $2 billion worth of seafood comes from China alone each year. This dependency creates vulnerabilities in our supply chains. The U.S. seafood industry excels in providing high-quality products, but it cannot meet the full domestic demand alone.
Cultivated seafood not only complements this industry by filling supply gaps but also offers the ability to produce fish varieties that are not typically raised in aquaculture, expanding consumer options without competing directly with traditional fish farms.
The Trump administration’s priority of reducing dependence on foreign imports aligns perfectly with the promise of cultivated seafood. By producing seafood domestically, we can reduce reliance on imported fish, bolster local economies and ensure that Americans consume the freshest, safest products available. At Atlantic Fish Co, our operations in North Carolina are designed to supply premium cultivated fish products – starting with sea bass – to the US market, addressing this critical gap.
The administration’s emphasis on manufacturing and job creation at home is well-suited to cellular agriculture’s potential to establish a new American industry. Cellular agriculture doesn’t just create physical products; it also generates high-skilled jobs in biotechnology, engineering, and food science.
In North Carolina, we’re tapping into the state’s expertise in these sectors, while laying the groundwork for a future-forward industry that can compete on a global stage.
Lessons from the semiconductor industry
Drawing a parallel to recent investments in domestic semiconductor production, the U.S. has recognized the importance of reducing its reliance on foreign chip manufacturers like Taiwan. Taiwan’s TSMC is a global leader in advanced semiconductor manufacturing, and the US’s dependency on foreign chips has been identified as a significant economic and national security risk. In response, initiatives like the CHIPS Act aim to rebuild domestic production capacity.
Protein production should be treated with the same urgency. Just as chips are vital to powering our technologies, sustainable, high-quality proteins are essential for powering our people. Cultivated seafood represents a strategic move towards self-reliance in the food sector, enabling us to feed our population without depleting marine ecosystems or depending on imports.
By fostering domestic seafood production through cellular agriculture, we can create a resilient supply chain, support innovation, and safeguard the nation’s food security.
Seizing the moment
Biotechnology has long been a bipartisan area of interest, and cellular agriculture is the next application of this technology for food production. This industry can drive economic growth, attract investment and cement the US as the world's leader in food innovation. By supporting this burgeoning sector, the US can showcase its ability to solve global challenges while fostering domestic industries that align with its economic vision.
The road ahead requires collaboration across industry and government. As our industry works to bring our first products to market, we invite policymakers to recognise the strategic value of cultivated seafood. Supporting this industry means investing in a future that will build a resilient, strong food system – all proudly made in America.
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