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plan the future growth of this industry dehberately, scientifically, 

 and well-structured as presented in Senate 1288. 



We also, Mr. Chairman, have an obligation to the consumers of 

 this Nation to provide them with a variety of nutritious seafood 

 products. 



In closing, I would like to again thank Senator Leahy for 

 the invitation to present our views and to Senator Akaka and 

 his excellent staff for the professional development of this piece 

 of legislation. 



Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



Senator Daschle. Thank you, Mr. Martin. 



Mr. Hugh Warren, the Executive Vice President of the Catfish 

 Farmers of America in Indianola, Mississippi. 



STATEMENT OF HUGH WARREN, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, 

 CATFISH FARMERS OF AMERICA, INDIANOLA, MISSISSIPPI 



Mr. Warren. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and members of the 

 committee. 



I am Hugh Warren, Executive Vice President of the Catfish 

 Farmers of America, CFA. Founded in 1968, CFA is the trade asso- 

 ciation that represents almost one-half of the total U.S. aqua- 

 culture production. Our membership from 25 States consists of 

 farm-raised catfish producers, suppliers, processors, feed mills, and 

 marketers. 



I am also personally actively involved in agriculture. I own a cot- 

 ton, corn, soybean, and rice farm in the Mississippi Delta, a tree 

 farm in Mississippi's hill region, and farm property in Washington 

 State. 



This diversity in farming operation focuses on the fact that most 

 fish producers are also farmers growing fish and not fishermen 

 growing fish. 



Senate bill 1288 has many significant features that can be bene- 

 ficial to the continuing advancement of U.S. aquaculture. The reau- 

 thorization of the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 with USDA 

 designated as the lead agency and the formulation of the Joint 

 Subcommittee on Aquaculture represent an important priority. 



Access to excess section 32 funds is critical in providing the fund- 

 ing for implementing the bill's directives. 



I would like to especially emphasize two areas within the bill's 

 language that holds the most potential for warm-water fisheries, 

 enhancement of market opportunities for domestic and foreign 

 sales, and research needs, as identified by industry scientists and 

 farmers. 



The catfish industry supports the general concept of Senate bill 

 1288. However, there are several areas that this committee needs 

 to address to strengthen this bill to serve the best interests of 

 warm-water aquaculture. 



The disaster assistance section's criteria need to be consistent 

 with the existing agricultural assistance under the farm bill and as 

 specifically referenced for aquaculture under the supplemental ap- 

 propriations bill for Hurricane Andrew in 1992. And, of course, I 

 heard Senator Akaka's remarks where this is being addressed, and 

 I note that and thank the Senator. 



