Lobster TAA Sign-up Begins!

Linda Grames from the NH Farm Service Agency leads NH Lobstermen through the application process for the Lobster TAA Program

Sign-ups  began in late October for New Hampshire lobstermen eligible for benefits through the Federal Trade Adjustment Act (TAA). This program is for any fisherman (not just lobstermen!) who can demonstrate that they sold at least a pound of lobster in 2009 and in any year between 2006 and 2008.

Personnel from the USDA Farm Service Agency and N.H. Sea Grant met with lobstermen October 19 at the Urban Forestry Center in Portsmouth to answer questions and to help people sign up for the TAA program.  About 25 lobstermen participated in the meeting.

The New Hampshire Commercial Fishermen's Association and N.H. Sea Grant (along with representatives from Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island) petitioned for lobster to be eligible for the program based on a 20% decrease in the value of lobster in 2009 compared to the average value between 2006 and 2008.  The program provides training and cash benefits to eligible fishermen who have until December 23, 2010 to sign up (Contact FSA at 603.679.4656 to sign up).

More sign-up workshops have been scheduled (see the Lobster TAA page for details!).