WASHINGTON — A trade association representing Wal-Mart and other large retailers opposes including swai, basa and other Asian whitefish in U.S. Agriculture Department catfish inspections, while Southern catfish farmers favor a broad definition of catfish in the proposed rule on inspections.
Catfish farming is a $600 million industry in Arkansas.
The Retail Industry Leaders Association has “significant concerns” that the proposed regulation would reduce supply of imported fish, driving up prices for retailers and ultimately U.S. consumers, according to comments recently submitted to the USDA.
“Those offerings would be expected to disappear from store shelves following issuance of a final rule. The lack of available product would be expected to cause instantaneous price increases,” said Stephanie Lester, vice president of international trade for the association.
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