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Contact: Scott Baker / E-Ching Lee N.C. Shrimpers Can Apply for Assistance The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that U.S. shrimp producers in the Gulf and South Atlantic States 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. "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," notes Scott Baker, Sea Grant's fisheries specialist. "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," Baker adds. "Not only is there a financial incentive to complete the training requirement, but the topics covered in the workshops are relevant to the industry. TAA focuses on providing training to producers of eligible commodities who are affected by import competition. It 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. This particular assistance program is directly tied to the 2008 marketing year. North Carolina commercial fishing license holders who caught or harvested shrimp in 2008 will receive a letter the week of Aug. 16, 2010, from the TAA Southern Region Management and Education Center based in Little Rock, Ark. This letter will describe the assistance program and how to apply. Any training associated with the program will occur in North Carolina and/or online. For more information about the TAA program, visit: www.taaforfarmers.org. A statewide listing of FSA offices can be found at: www.fsa.usda.gov. North Carolina Sea Grant: Your link to research and resources for a healthier coast. |