USDA program draws lobstermen, growers
Lobstermen and blueberry growers in Maine are signing up for new federal compensation designed to offset losses from imports.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently made Maine lobstermen eligible under its Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers program, and has given lobstermen here until Dec. 23 to file an application for benefits, the Portland Press Herald reported. If approved, lobstermen can receive up to $12,000 in cash and free training to try to make their operations more profitable. Roughly 4,000 licensed fishermen in Maine qualify.
Last year, lobster imports increased 5.9% in Maine, while the value of the lobster catch dropped to $228 million from an average of $279 million the previous three years, the paper reported.
Maine's roughly 575 blueberry growers can apply for the assistance as well. They have been hurt by competition from South America and saw the value of berries drop from an average of 82 cents per pound to 35 cents last year, according to the paper.
Go to the story from the Portland Press Herald >>
Most Recent
Most Recent
Comments