Lafayette Reporter

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) and members of the Louisiana congressional delegation are calling on Small Business Association (SBA) Administrator Isabel Guzman to provide emergency assistance to Louisiana's crawfish industry. The lawmakers are urging the SBA to make a disaster declaration to support crawfish processors, wholesalers, boilers, and other related enterprises impacted by adverse weather conditions in 2023.

In a joint letter, the lawmakers highlighted the challenges faced by Louisiana's crawfish industry, stating, "Many industries throughout Louisiana suffered immensely due to drought, as well as a prolonged saltwater intrusion, which negatively impacted crawfish producers as well as downstream businesses." They emphasized the importance of providing assistance to these non-agriculture members of the crawfish industry, whose livelihoods depend on a robust crawfish crop.

According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Louisiana's commercial supply of crawfish has a significant economic impact, estimated at $300 million. The lawmakers stressed the need for access to relief programs, such as Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), to ensure the survival of these businesses.

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and other members of the Louisiana delegation, including House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Reps. Steve Scalise (R-La.), Julia Letlow (R-La.), Garret Graves (R-La.), Clay Higgins (R-La.), and Troy Carter (D-La.), also signed the letter in support of the disaster declaration request.

In a separate initiative, Sen. Kennedy introduced the Crawfish Recovery Assistance from Weather Disasters and Droughts (CRAWDAD) Act in February. The bill aims to expand funding under the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program to support crawfish farmers affected by weather events, including droughts.

The Louisiana delegation is urging the SBA to provide the necessary tools and assistance to help crawfish producers navigate the application process for critical financial aid. They concluded their letter by emphasizing the importance of SBA support for Louisiana's crawfish aquaculture industry to ensure its sustainability and resilience.

The full text of the letter addressed to SBA Administrator Isabel Guzman can be accessed for further details.