Marketing Assistance for Patuxent River Oyster Growers (Maryland)

As Maryland watermen began transitioning from harvesting wild oysters to farming them, they needed practical guidance on production, marketing, and business planning. TerrAqua and Ocean Equities provided marketing and business development assistance to help growers evaluate the commercial potential of oyster aquaculture.

We assessed production costs, potential revenues, and regional market opportunities for alternative growing and marketing strategies, and translated the results into a practical, easy-to-use guide for growers. The project also outlined strategies to expand growers' market access through visits to successful oyster farms and connections with buyers beyond their existing networks.

Funded by the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) and the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, with in-kind assistance from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Sea Grant.