WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) has reintroduced the Crawfish Recovery Assistance from Weather Disasters and Droughts (CRAWDAD) Act, a bill designed to support Louisiana’s crawfish farmers when adverse weather conditions threaten the state’s iconic industry. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) is a co-sponsor of the legislation.
The measure would make crawfish producers permanently eligible for emergency support through the federal Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP), which currently offers financial assistance to livestock, honeybee, and farm-raised fish producers facing losses from weather, disease, or other disaster conditions.
“Come rain, shine, sleet or snow, Louisiana’s mudbug farmers always work hard to deliver quality food to crawfish lovers,” said Kennedy. “My CRAWDAD Act would make sure crawfish producers have access to the emergency support they need when droughts and other severe weather strike.”
Cassidy added, “When you think Louisiana, you think crawfish. Crawfish farmers work hard to provide Louisiana and the world with the tastiest crawdads possible. Let’s support them as they do so, rain or shine.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) temporarily expanded ELAP to include crawfish producers in 2021 after weather-related losses disrupted the industry. The CRAWDAD Act would codify that inclusion, eliminating the need for future temporary relief declarations and ensuring swift access to aid during natural disasters.
The bill would also broaden ELAP’s scope by explicitly recognizing drought as an emergency event eligible for assistance.
The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation has endorsed the legislation.
“Louisiana crawfish farmers hope to never see another drought like they did in 2023,” said Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot. “Louisiana Farm Bureau appreciates Senator Kennedy in the reintroduction of the CRAWDAD Act to provide additional support for this vital Louisiana industry.”
If passed, the CRAWDAD Act would provide a crucial lifeline to an industry that contributes significantly to the state’s economy and cultural identity.