As the Global Shrimp Council approaches its seven-month milestone, founders are pushing for a mandatory tax similar to Norway’s funding model to promote shrimp exports.

Mandatory Levy on Exporters Suggested

Gabriel Luna, a founder of the Global Shrimp Council, is advocating for a small mandatory levy on shrimp exporters, similar to the model used by the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) to promote Norwegian salmon, whitefish, and shellfish abroad. The NSC is funded by a small percentage of Norwegian companies’ exports. Luna believes that replicating this success story is crucial for the shrimp industry.

A recent poll held at an event revealed a nearly 50/50 split between those who support a mandatory funding model and those who favor a voluntary approach, where each exporter chooses how much to contribute to marketing efforts. This lack of consensus among the 13-member council is expected to take time to resolve.

Council Established in Response to Shrimp Price Drop

The Global Shrimp Council was established in response to the significant drop in global shrimp prices since the pandemic. The council’s board comprises representatives from major producing regions, including Ecuador, India, Southeast Asia, Central America, Latin America, and Indonesia. The council has already signed 43 founding members and received endorsements from six separate agencies.

The council is working with the National Fisheries Institute in the United States, which has expressed enthusiasm about collaborating on a broad marketing campaign. “We have to encourage more restaurants to add shrimp to their menus with special recipes and year-round activations in their restaurants,” said Luna. “We have to go out there and say, ‘Guys, why aren’t you eating shrimp?'”