Washington D.C. – A group of U.S. Senators, led by Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), have officially designated August as National Catfish Month, recognizing the significant role catfish production plays in the economies of Alabama, Mississippi, and other states. The bipartisan effort highlights the importance of catfish farming to the agricultural industry, particularly in Alabama’s Black Belt region.
“In honor of Alabama’s hardworking catfish producers and farmers, we are celebrating National Catfish Month this August,” said Senator Britt. “Catfish is a major contributor to Alabama’s agricultural economy. Our great state is proud to be one of the top catfish producers in the nation. I will continue fighting for this tremendous industry that supports Alabama jobs, contributes to local communities, and provides delicious, nutritious food for American families.”
Alabama is a leading producer of catfish in the United States, responsible for about one-third of the nation’s output. The state ranks second in catfish production overall, making it the eighth largest agricultural crop in Alabama. The industry is especially crucial in Alabama’s Black Belt counties, where catfish farming is a vital part of the local economy.
Senator Britt has been a strong advocate for the catfish industry, working alongside her colleagues to support policies that benefit catfish producers. Earlier this year, Senators Britt, Hyde-Smith, Tuberville, and Wicker successfully lobbied the U.S. Commerce Department to reverse an antidumping duty order on U.S. imports of Certain Frozen Fish Fillets from Vietnam. Additionally, the Senators played a key role in urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to purchase surplus domestic catfish in January 2023, which were then distributed across nutrition assistance programs.
The designation of August as National Catfish Month serves as a recognition of the industry’s contributions and the continued efforts to support catfish producers across the country. The month-long celebration underscores the economic and cultural significance of catfish farming in states like Alabama and Mississippi.
