Tuesday, March 15, 2011

US catfish farmers seek safety net

Seldom do US businesses seek even lobby for more government regulation of their industries. But American catfish farmers see federal regulation as the only thing between their livelihoods and financial ruin. A fear of competition from lower-priced foreign imports from Southeast Asia has Texas catfish farmers and their trade groups embracing US government regulation.

Steve Klingaman, owner of Aqua Farms in El Campo, says imported fish from China and Vietnam, which he considers inferior and environmentally unsafe, could have a devastating effect on his catfish farm. "There's no doubt it will put us out of business," he said. "I still have a fish farm, but I'm thinking very seriously about closing it." Already, he's had to lay off 40 workers. The US government soon may step in to help aquaculture businesses such as Klingaman's. Read more ...

This blog is written by Martin Little The Aquaculturists, published and supported by the International Aquafeed Magazine from Perendale Publishers.
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