A.  The provisions of this Part are intended to provide a voluntary method of raising revenues to be used for the purposes of developing markets for farm-raised and wild-caught Louisiana crawfish and for funding research which will increase production of farm-raised and wild-caught Louisiana crawfish.

B.  It is hereby acknowledged that the promotion and marketing of farm-raised or wild-caught Louisiana crawfish is of great public interest and that the development of marketing potential for Louisiana crawfish can be of great economic benefit to the state and its citizens.  The department shall put forth great effort to promote and help develop markets for Louisiana crawfish whether they be farm-raised or wild-caught Louisiana crawfish.

C.  In pursuit of the effort to promote the Louisiana crawfish industry, the commissioner and the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries are hereby directed to enter into a memorandum of understanding recognizing the immense value of the wild-caught crawfish industry to the state of Louisiana and pledging to work together to bring the resources of both departments in support of Louisiana crawfish, both farm-raised or wild-caught.  The memorandum of understanding shall also include a pledge to work together to seek out revenue sources that can be used to support, develop, and promote both the farm-raised and the wild-caught crawfish industries and a pledge to work jointly to support, develop, promote, and enhance the crawfish industry, both farm-raised or wild-caught.  The memorandum of understanding shall also include a pledge to work jointly with the state’s congressional delegation to ensure that all elements of the industry, including the farmers, the harvesters, and the processors, are eligible for any disaster funding which may be appropriated for the industry.

Added by Acts 1983, No. 679, §1; Acts 2008, No. 334, §1.