Abraham Leads Delegation Effort to Help Crawfish Industry through COVID-19 Crisis

On Monday, Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D., R-Alto, led the Louisiana congressional delegation in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue voicing its strong support for the inclusion of crawfish aquaculture under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). The crawfish industry relies heavily on direct-to-consumer markets, such as restaurants and large social gatherings, that were devastated by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

"For generations, crawfish have brought Louisianans together to celebrate the change in seasons, our faith, our families, and our heritage," the delegation wrote. "While the social impact of the loss of these celebrations on the people of Louisiana can never be quantified, the economic loss to the State is estimated at over $146 million for 2020. Assistance from CFAP would ensure that this vital industry can rebound in 2021." 

Joining Abraham in sending the letter were U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and John Kennedy (R-LA), and U.S. Representatives Steve Scalise (R-LA), Cedric Richmond (D-LA), Garret Graves (R-LA), Clay Higgins (R-LA), and Mike Johnson (R-LA).

To read the full letter, click here.