Our co-op started forming between the years 2017 and 2019 after a number of small oyster farms popped up in what was clearly becoming a hot spot for premium oyster production in the New Meadows River region. Small gatherings of oyster farmers to meet and share advice (read have a beer or two) soon became the nucleus for organizing a more dedicated collective to pool resources and amplify each other’s efforts.

With a small group of passionate growers that brought a variety of different professional backgrounds to the table, we recognized we had a special opportunity to learn from each other, share resources and facilities, and connect more deeply with our communities as a formal cooperative. On Jan 13 2020 the current members met in the basement of the local library to draw up a charter and the New Meadows River Shellfish Co-op was born.