The Louisiana Shrimp Association, led by President Acy Cooper, is closely monitoring the progress of the proposed Save Our Shrimpers Act of 2024, viewing it as a potential beacon of hope for the state’s struggling shrimp industry.

Advocating for Legislative Support

President Cooper, a dedicated advocate for Louisiana shrimpers impacted by imported products, expressed cautious optimism regarding the proposed legislation. He emphasized the critical need for additional legislative measures to safeguard the interests of local shrimp producers.

“We commend it. We need more legislation,” Cooper stated, underscoring the urgency for meaningful action to address the challenges faced by the industry.

Understanding the Impact of International Subsidization

The essence of the proposed act aims to curtail the impact of international financial institutions subsidizing foreign shrimp farming, processing, or exporting activities to the United States. Cooper highlighted the economic disparity caused by currency fluctuations, which significantly benefit foreign competitors.

“When they fund them, the currency difference between that country and the state, the state maybe two or three times different. That’s how they make their money,” Cooper explained.

Enforcing Accountability and Transparency

The legislative proposal calls for a thorough investigation by the U.S. Government Accountability Office and mandates an annual report to Congress to ensure compliance with the outlined provisions. Cooper emphasized the necessity of holding executive directors accountable to the law, a sentiment echoed by the Louisiana Shrimp Association.

“The federal government should hold their feet to the fire when it comes to people’s health,” Cooper stated, emphasizing the association’s commitment to advocating for fair practices and consumer protection.

Path Forward for Louisiana’s Shrimp Industry

President Acy Cooper remains cautiously optimistic about the future of Louisiana’s shrimp industry in light of the proposed legislation. While recognizing the significant challenges faced by local shrimpers, Cooper believes that effective legislative measures, such as the Save Our Shrimpers Act, could pave the way for industry recovery.

“I think we can survive, but until that point, we’re not going to survive because everything is stacked against us,” Cooper remarked, reflecting the determination of the Louisiana Shrimp Association to secure a sustainable future for the state’s iconic shrimp industry.