Youth Participation and Labor Succession Gaps in Louisiana’s Crawfish Farming Industry: Implications for Employment Sustainability and Economic Development

Abstract

Louisiana serves as the epicenter of the United States’ crawfish production, accounting for approximately 90% to 95% of national output from both aquaculture farms and natural freshwater ecosystems. Despite its economic significance, cultural heritage, and ability to provide substantial employment, the industry faces growing challenges related to declining youth involvement and gaps in labor succession. An aging workforce, insufficient engagement of rural youth, and weak intergenerational knowledge transfer threaten the long-term viability and sustainability of crawfish farming in the state. Recognizing that workforce renewal, employment creation, and economic diversification are pressing policy priorities, this study investigates the factors influencing youth participation and labor succession in Louisiana’s crawfish sector. A structured survey of 200 crawfish farmers and rural youth across key production parishes was conducted, and a binomial logistic regression model was employed to examine determinants of youth willingness to engage in crawfish farming. Findings indicate that access to start-up capital, perceived profitability, availability of training and education, government support, and the social perception of farming significantly shape youth participation decisions. The results further suggest that policy interventions emphasizing vocational training, succession planning, financial assistance, and youth-oriented agricultural programs can strengthen employment sustainability, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance long-term revenue generation in the crawfish industry. The study concludes by recommending targeted strategies for youth empowerment, institutionalized labor succession mechanisms, and supportive financing structures to secure the future of crawfish production in Louisiana.

Keywords: Youth participation, Labor succession, Crawfish farming, Employment sustainability, Logistic regression, Public policy, Production, Industry

DOI: 10.7176/JESD/17-2-04

Publication date: February 28^th 2026