WASHINGTON (WDNews) — U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville is continuing efforts to support Alabama’s farm-raised catfish industry by urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to purchase surplus catfish products through a federal assistance program.
Tuberville joined U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi in sending a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins requesting approval of the industry’s application for purchases through the Agricultural Marketing Service’s Section 32 Program.
The Section 32 Program allows the USDA to purchase surplus U.S. agricultural commodities for distribution through domestic food assistance programs. The program is permanently authorized and funded through 30% of the previous year’s customs receipts collected on imported goods.
According to the senators, the request is part of ongoing efforts to ensure farm-raised catfish, Gulf shrimp and other agricultural commodities are considered for USDA Section 32 purchases.
“The industry’s USDA Section 32 purchase request would provide needed relief by providing essential cash flow to farmers to help alleviate the severe financial strain imposed by inflationary pressures. USDA purchases of catfish would provide immediate relief and enable 2026 fish crops to be harvested and processed, while also supporting rural communities and providing nutritious, American-grown product to families, children, and those in need,” the senators wrote.
The letter states the U.S. farm-raised catfish industry generates nearly $2 billion in economic output and supports more than 9,100 jobs, directly and indirectly, throughout the Southeast. It also notes that catfish farms and processing facilities are often among the largest employers in economically challenged counties.
The senators said producers have faced three consecutive years of financial losses as inflation has driven production costs above the prices farmers receive for their fish. Rising feed and energy costs continue to be the industry’s largest financial challenges.
According to the letter, feed accounts for about 43% of catfish production expenses, while fuel and electricity make up roughly 10%. Although producers have adopted more efficient farming practices, the senators said they have limited ability to absorb continued increases in operating costs.
Tuberville and Hyde-Smith were joined in signing the letter by U.S. Sens. Katie Britt of Alabama, Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Roger Wicker of Mississippi.
The senators urged the USDA to approve the industry’s request, saying the purchases would provide immediate financial relief for producers while supplying American-grown food to families and food assistance programs across the country.
