Prawn farmer elected
Leland native to head national organization

The United States Freshwater Prawn and Shrimp Growers Association has named Dolores Fratesi of Leland as President at the organization’s annual meeting in Tunica.  Having previously served the organization as Director, Fratesi hopes to increase consumer awareness of the quality of the all-natural freshwater prawn.

“Farm-raised freshwater prawns are a versatile product.  Elegant, yet practical; delicious, and healthy,” Fratesi said.

Fratesi plans to work with the Prawn Association in educating the consumer as to the taste and many health-benefits of the prawn.  She says that prawns are closely related to the lobster, giving them a lobster texture, and a mild, sweet taste.  The consumer prefers the prawn as it is grown in clean, fresh water with no chemicals.

The USFPSGA was founded in 2002 by a group of Mississippi and Arkansas farmers.  Presently, growers from ten states comprise the organization’s membership.  The Association provides access to a university research forum, which makes possible a transfer of information between researchers and growers. 

For more information on the USFPSGA, visit their web site at www.freshwaterprawn.org. DBJ