Press Releases

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced two grant programs to assist agricultural stakeholders that have not received substantial federal financial assistance in response to COVID-19. There is $4,229,669 through the grant program available for Louisiana's fishing industry such as seafood processors.

This funding is linked to COVID and the pandemic's impact on the impacted fishing industry. For example, because of the shutdown of restaurants and lowered capacities in businesses, there was less demand.

"Louisiana fishers have seen incredible challenges over the past several years – record natural disasters, unfair and illegal fishing practices from other countries, burdensome regulations, and the pandemic. Louisiana has some of the best seafood, best restaurants, and the top commercial fishing sector in the continental united states. This is at risk. These funds will be a lifeline to some of our struggling fishing communities," Graves said.

Click here to read about the USDA grants and allocation.

Graves also reiterates his request for the U.S. Department of Commerce to declare a "Fishery Disaster Determination" – related to Hurricane Ida – which would provide non-competitive, targeted relief.

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