U.S. Representative Garret Graves (Louisiana) announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is purchasing up to $36 million of Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Wild-Caught Shrimp. This will alleviate pressure felt by Louisiana’s shrimp industry caused by natural disasters, higher fuel prices, labor and supply chain issues, and the effects of foreign governments flooding the market with illegally caught, foreign, farmed seafood. This purchase will also provide schools, food banks, and disaster-stricken households with another sustainable, nutritious source of protein.
“The seafood industry is one of Louisiana’s biggest economic drivers – but our shrimpers have been repeatedly hit by both man-made and natural disasters,” said Graves. “We are pushing for legislation at every angle to bring them more relief, and this commitment from the USDA will make a meaningful impact on these businesses in our south Louisiana communities and stomachs across America.”
Graves has been hard at work this year to support south Louisiana’s shrimp and seafood communities. In July, he introduced the L.E.S.S. Act which would increase funding for both shrimp import inspections and additional Section 32 purchases like the one announced today. In November, Graves teamed up with Representatives from each U.S. coast to launch the bipartisan American Seafood Caucus with the goal of ensuring our U.S. seafood producers are able to stay competitive in markets at home and abroad.
These purchases are being made utilizing funds available under the Funds for Strengthening Markets, Income, and Supply (Section 32 of the act of August 24, 1935; 7 U.S.C. 612c). To read more about the USDA purchases, solicitations, and processes, click here.
Background:
October 2022 – Graves announced the USDA decision to purchase up to $25 million of Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Wild-Caught Shrimp, to provide relief to Louisiana’s shrimp industry which faced multiple hardships in a row: Hurricane Ida and other natural disasters, repeated openings of the Bonnet Carre Spillway, unfair trade practices, illegal chemicals skyrocketing inflation, gas prices, and supply chain issues.
May 2021 – Graves announced the USDA decision to purchase up to $25 million of Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Wild-Caught Shrimp to address the disruptions in the food system supply chain and food insecurity resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
August 2020 – Graves announced the USDA decision to purchase U.S. shrimp for distribution to community food and nutrition programs nationwide after Graves worked with the USDA to secure a commitment of up to 20 million pounds from Louisiana and Gulf Coast shrimpers and processors.
