Lobstermen eligible for TAA funds
Lobstermen in New England are eligible to receive trade adjustment assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to offset increased imports of lobster during 2009.
The USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service has approved fiscal year 2011 petitions under the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers Program that will provide benefits to lobstermen in Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, according to a press release. FAS determined that increased imports of lobster during the 2009 calendar year contributed to a more than 15% decline in lobster production values in New England compared to the previous three years. Eligible lobster producers can receive cash payments and free training to develop business adjustment plans, and producers whose plan is approved can receive up to $4,000 toward implementing it, according to the release. An approved long-term adjustment plan can earn lobstermen up to $8,000.
Eligible lobster producers have 90 days from Sept. 24 to apply for the TAA benefits, according to the release.
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