Shrimp producers in the Gulf and South Atlantic States are happy nover the announcement that they are eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for Farmers and Fishermen Program benefits. To be eligible to receive TAA training and financial benefits, North Carolina shrimp producers must apply at their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office by Sept. 23, 2010.
Scott Baker, Sea Grant’s fisheries specialist, opines that North Carolina Sea Grant is not administering the federal program, but will be assisting with the development and delivery of training workshops after the sign-up period. He further informs that workshop topics likely will include onboard handling and quality control, basics of direct marketing, cost-efficient gear technology and how to develop a simple business plan.
TAA focuses on providing training to producers of eligible commodities who are affected by import competition. The program also provides assistance in developing a business plan and up to $12,000 in payments to help implement the business plan and the lessons learned from the training workshops. TAA will first send letter to North Carolina commercial fishing license holders who caught or harvested shrimp in 2008. Then they can apply for the programme assistance.
