Hinds Today

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) has commended the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for approving the purchase of up to $36 million in Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic wild-caught shrimp products. These products will be distributed to various nutrition assistance programs, including charitable institutions. The decision comes after Hyde-Smith's request to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to support the domestic shrimp industry by purchasing additional USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Section 32 Program buys of domestic shrimp.

Hyde-Smith expressed her gratitude to Secretary Vilsack and the USDA for utilizing the Section 32 program to benefit shrimpers, processors, and food assistance programs. She highlighted the importance of this purchase in sustaining a vital Gulf Coast industry that is facing numerous economic pressures, including heavily subsidized foreign competition. Hyde-Smith stated, "This Section 32 purchase of domestic shrimp products will help sustain a vital Gulf Coast industry that is being assailed by a number of economic pressures, including heavily subsidized foreign competition."

The decision to purchase $36 million worth of domestic shrimp products is expected to alleviate high inventories for processors and create a more favorable economic environment for the upcoming shrimp harvest season. This move follows USDA's approval of Section 32 purchases of domestic Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic wild-caught shrimp in 2020 and 2021 to support the industry and provide additional resources for distribution to food banks and other nonprofit nutrition programs.

In her efforts to protect the Mississippi shrimp and catfish industries, Hyde-Smith has cosponsored the Ban C-FOOD Act (S.3417). This act aims to ban U.S. imports of seafood and aquaculture products from China and impose sanctions on companies that import Chinese seafood. Additionally, it proposes placing tariffs on countries that facilitate the shipment of Chinese seafood.

The USDA's decision to purchase up to $36 million in Gulf shrimp products is a significant step towards supporting the domestic shrimp industry in the face of foreign competition. This investment will not only benefit shrimpers and processors but also contribute to nutrition assistance programs, ensuring that those in need have access to high-quality seafood products.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-praises-usda-decision-buy-36-million-gulf-shrimp