Texas shrimpers join call for trade relief

Texas shrimpers join call for trade relief    A group of Texas shrimpers has asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service for trade adjustment assistance to counter an increase in more cheaply priced shrimp imports.
   The Texas Shrimp Association represents shrimpers in the Gulf region.
   The FAS administrator will determine whether or not imports of shrimp contributed to a decline in domestic producer prices of 20 percent or more during the period January-December 2002.
   If the findings are in favor of the shrimpers, the trade group’s members will be eligible to apply to the USDA’s Farm Service Agency for technical assistance at no cost and adjustment assistance payments.
   The Texas shrimper request for assistance follows similar request to the USDA by a South Carolina shrimper group in late September.