Plain Language Summary
# Summary of the CRAWDAD Act **What the bill would do:** The CRAWDAD Act (Crawfish Recovery Assistance from Weather Disasters And Droughts Act) would expand federal disaster assistance programs to help crawfish farmers. Specifically, it would add crawfish harvests to the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP), which currently compensates farmers for losses caused by bad weather, drought, or other disasters.
The bill would require the Farm Service Agency to create standardized documentation rules for crawfish production and drought losses. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects crawfish farmers and producers in Louisiana and other crawfish-producing states. It would also impact the Farm Service Agency, which would need to implement new rules and processes. **Current status:** The bill was introduced by Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Crawfish Recovery Assistance from Weather Disasters And Droughts Act or the CRAWDAD ActThis bill modifies access to the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) and the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP). The Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers these programs.The bill expands coverage under ELAP for losses caused by adverse weather or drought. The bill includes under ELAP the loss of a crawfish harvest due to adverse weather or drought. (This program provides payments to producers of livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish as compensation for losses due to disease, adverse weather, feed or water shortages, or other conditions that are not covered under other programs.)The FSA must establish ELAP documentation standards for (1) collecting data, (2) the production of crawfish, and (3) defining loss conditions due to drought.The bill also specifies that eligibility under LFP for livestock producers applies to producers with weaned or unweaned livestock. Currently, unweaned livestock are not eligible for the program. (LFP makes payments to eligible livestock producers who have suffered grazing losses on drought-affected pastureland, including cropland planted specifically for grazing.)
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.