U.S. legislators praised the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) recent decision to purchase around USD 30 million (EUR 25.5 million) worth of U.S. shrimp.
The USDA has committed to purchasing up to 20 million pounds of American shrimp from Gulf Coast shrimpers and processors, U.S. Representative Garrett Graves (R-Louisiana) said in a press release.
“By supplying healthy U.S. shrimp, members of the American Shrimp Processors Association can clear their inventory to sustain their businesses in the meantime, shrimpers can sell their catch and communities in need can be fed,” Graves’ office said in a press release.
U.S. Senator John Kennedy (Republican-Louisiana) said in a press releases the purchase is worth USD 30 million, and will help alleviate food insecurity in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
The USDA made the purchase under the Agriculture Act of 1935, which provides for national food assistance during emergencies.
“Season after season, Louisiana shrimpers have faithfully put food on the table for millions of Americans, and I admire their hard work and dedication during this crisis,” Kennedy said. “The USDA’s decision is a win-win for Louisiana shrimpers and Americans who need a little help to persevere through hard times.”
Louisiana is still hurting from the Bonnet Carre Spillway openings over the past three years, “and the coronavirus has made matters worse for the shrimp fishermen,” Graves said.
USDA’s shrimp purchase will “absolutely help bridge the gap between further loss for our processors and fleet, and be the lifeline needed to stay afloat until our economy is back on track,” Graves added.
The shrimp will go towards supplying food banks, schools, and households with local products in Louisiana, Graves said.
“Shrimp are also full of protein and vitamins, providing a much healthier option to communities in need compared to the raisins, prunes, and tart cherries they’ve included on the commodity list,” Graves said.
Photo courtesy of Phillip W. Kirkland/Shutterstock
