Alabama’s two senators are hard at work protecting the state’s farm-raised catfish industry.
Sens. Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville have played a significant role in the U.S. Department of Commerce reversing a preliminary decision that would have slashed antidumping duties on imported catfish from companies controlled by the Vietnamese government.
Britt called the reversal a “victory” for American catfish farmers and producers.
“This important reversal by the Department of Commerce defends our state’s and nation’s domestic farm-raised catfish markets against unfair dumping practices,” said Britt (R-Montgomery). “We are proud that 33% of all catfish produced in the U.S. comes from Alabama and know that the industry is a vital part of our state’s economy.
“I will continue to fight for hardworking Alabamians who produce American-made food, goods, and products vital to our local communities, our state, and our country.”
Tuberville (R-Auburn) also hailed the decision.
“This announcement is great news for Alabama’s catfish farmers,” Tuberville said. “Alabama is the number two state in American catfish production, raising one-third of the world’s catfish. As a former catfish restaurant owner, I know firsthand how critical catfish are to our economy.
“As Alabama’s voice on the Senate AG Committee, I’ll always stand up for Alabama’s catfish farmers against the Biden administration’s overreach.”
Alabama is home to more than 65 farm-raised catfish farms, predominantly across the Black Belt Region which encompass approximately 15,
The catfish industry employs more than 2,400 people and contributes nearly $92 million in economic value to the state.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
